Gel electrophoresis is the fractionation of a protein,
DNA, or RNA based on the size, shape, and/or net charges of the macromolecules. Briefly, charged particles are forced to migrate from one direction to another under the influence of an externally applied electric field. The gel matrix acts as a molecular sieve, and slows movements by inducing interactions within molecular particles. The opposing interactions of the electrical force (drawing the molecules in one direction) and sieving (pulling particles down into the matrix) result in differential migration rates for constituent proteins of a sample.
Gel electrophoresis is used diversely across many fields of science, including forensics, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and pharmacology. Among many other things, gel electrophoresis can be used to analyze
PCR products, determine total protein content. quantitate proteins within a sample, assess post-translational modifications,
analyze genes associated with specific illnesses, and assess the efficacy of antibiotics, terpenoids and steroids.
Sample Experimental Protocol (for DNA Gel Electrophoresis using Agarose Gel)
Agarose Gel Preparation and Setup