In recombinant DNA technology, the fragments of DNA generated after cutting the DNA by restriction enzymes are separated according to their size or length by gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis is performed in a gel matrix so that molecules of similar electric charges can be separated on the basis of size. Most commonly used matrix in gel electrophoresis is agarose. The fragments are separated under the influence of electric field. The separated DNA fragments can be seen only after staining the DNA with compound known as ethidium bromide (EtBr) followed by exposure to UV radiation as bright orange band.
- Gel electrophoresis is used for the separation of
- DNA only.
- DNA and RNA only.
- DNA and proteins only.
- DNA, RNA and proteins.
- Most commonly used matrix is _____ which is a ______ extracted from _______.
- (i) agarose (ii) polysaccharide (iii) sea weed
- (i) agarose (ii) protein (iii) sea weed
- (i) EtBr (ii) polysaccharide (iii) sea weed
- (i) EtBr (ii) protein (iii) bacteria
- A DNA molecule was treated with a restriction endonuclease and three fragments of size (i) 426kb, (ii) 129kb and (iii) 46kb were obtained. Identify the order in which these bands will arrange themselves in the gel plate after gel electrophoresis is completed. (Assuming that negative part of electrode is towards the well)
- (iii) → (ii) → (i)
- (i) → (ii) → (iii)
- (i) → (iii) → (ii)
- (iii) → (i) → (ii)
- Which of the following statements regarding gel electrophoresis is incorrect?
- Separated DNA fragments can be seen only after staining DNA with EtBr.
- DNA fragments are separated according to their size.
- Under the influence of electric field, positively charged molecules move towards the anode and negatively charged molecules move towards the cathode.
- None of these.
- The factor that will not affect the rate of DNA migration in gel electrophoresis is:
- Size of DNA molecule.
- Concentration of DNA.
- Voltage supplied.
- Concentration of the gel.
- (d) DNA, RNA and proteins.
Explanation:
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate fragments of molecules, i.e., DNA, RNA and protein.
- (a) (i) agarose (ii) polysaccharide (iii) sea weed
- (b) (i) → (ii) → (iii)
- (c) Under the influence of electric field, positively charged molecules move towards the anode and negatively charged molecules move towards the cathode.
Explanation:
Under the influence of electric field positively charged molecules move towards the cathode and negatively charged molecules move towards the anode.
- (b) Concentration of DNA.
Explanation:
Concentration of DNA will not affect the migration of DNA molecule in a gel electrophoresis, As in gel electrophoresis, molecules separate according to their size therefore DNA size will affect migration. Increased voltage supply will increase rate of migration and the more concentrated gel will reduce rate of migration.






