What is gel electrophoresis used for

The separation of cells How are DNA fragments separated using gel electrophoresis? well A solution of DNA molecules is placed in a gel. Because each DNA molecule4 is negatively charged, it can be pulled through the gel by an electric field5. Small DNA molecules move more quickly through the gel than larger DNA molecules.

The result is a series of ‘bands’, with each band containing DNA molecules of a particular size. The bands furthest from the start of the gel contain the smallest fragments of DNA. The bands closest to the start of the gel contain the largest DNA fragments.

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate macromolecules like DNA, RNA and proteins. DNA fragments are separated according to their size. Proteins can be separated according to their size and their charge