NEET
- Exam
- NEET
- Subject
- Zoology
- Chapter
- Biotechnology - Principles and Processes
NEET · Zoology · Biotechnology - Principles and Processes
What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in DNA separation?
What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in DNA separation?
Options
- ATo form recombinant vector molecule
- BTo create hydrogen bonds
- CTo separate DNA fragments based on their size
- DTo extract agarose gel
Correct answer
C. To separate DNA fragments based on their size
Step-by-step solution
The cutting of DNA by restriction endonucleases results in the fragments of DNA. These fragments can be separated by a technique known as gel electrophoresis. Since >DNA fragments are negatively charged molecules they can be separated by forcing them to move towards the anode under an electric field through a medium/matrix. Nowadays the most commonly used matrix is agarose which is a natural polymer extracted from sea weeds. The DNA fragments separate (resolve) according to their size through sieving effect provided by the agarose gel. Hence, the smaller the fragment size, the farther it moves.