Gel Electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis is a method that separates macromolecules on the basis of size, electric charge, and other physical properties. A gel is a colloid in a solid form. Electrophoresis describes the movement of charged particle under the control of an electric field. ... So, gel electrophoresis refers to the technique in which molecules are forced across a span of gel, motivated by an electrical current. Activated electrodes at either end of the gel provide the driving force. ... The technique used in gel electrophoresis separates proteins first on their isoelectric point and then on their molecular mass. Through hydration, proteins are absorbed by dried gel strips that carry an immobilized pH gradient. The hydrated first dimensional gel is subjected to a strong electric field. Acid proteins at the alkaline side of the gel will dissociate and become negatively charged. Because of the electric field these proteins will migrate to the positive pole (the acidic side of the gel). Proteins will reach a point where they become neutralized by the gel, lose their net charge and do not migrate further. ... Gel electrophoresis can be used to separate and determine the size of the RFLPs. ... Gel Electrophoresis is one of the staple tools in molecular biology and is of critical value in many aspects of genetic manipulation and study.