NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the separation of DNA fragments by gel electrophoresis?
Options
- AAgarose, a natural polymer extracted from seaweeds, is the most commonly used matrix.
- BThe smaller the size of the DNA fragment, the lesser the distance it travels through the gel.
- CDNA fragments are negatively charged molecules and move towards the anode under an electric field.
- DThe extraction of separated bands of DNA from the agarose gel piece is known as elution.
Correct answer
B. The smaller the size of the DNA fragment, the lesser the distance it travels through the gel.
Step-by-step solution
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. DNA fragments are negatively charged molecules, so they move towards the positive electrode (anode) under an electric field. This makes the statement about DNA moving towards the anode correct. Agarose, a natural polymer extracted from seaweeds, is indeed the most commonly used matrix for this process. The separation of DNA fragments occurs due to the sieving effect provided by the agarose gel. Smaller DNA fragments experience le