NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
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 provid