What is the typical charge of DNA molecules during gel electrophoresis?

Practice Questions

Q1
What is the typical charge of DNA molecules during gel electrophoresis?
  1. Positive
  2. Negative
  3. Neutral
  4. Variable

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

What is the typical charge of DNA molecules during gel electrophoresis?
  • Step 1: Understand that DNA is made up of building blocks called nucleotides.
  • Step 2: Recognize that each nucleotide has a phosphate group.
  • Step 3: Know that the phosphate group carries a negative charge.
  • Step 4: Realize that because of the negative charge from the phosphate groups, DNA molecules are negatively charged overall.
  • Step 5: Learn that during gel electrophoresis, DNA is placed in a gel and an electric current is applied.
  • Step 6: Understand that the negative charge of DNA causes it to move towards the positive electrode in the gel.
No concepts available.
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