DNA samples obtained can be separated according to the size of the fragments by gel electrophoresis.Gel electrophoresis is one of the most useful means of separating and purifying DNA fragments for further analysis. DNA samples extracted from any specimen can be amplified using PCR and then subjected to gel electrophoresis. The DNA sample is treated with a restriction enzyme to break it down to fragments. Following gel electrophoresis, all the sizes of the fragments of the given DNA can be collected and sequenced using a DNA Sequencer to reveal the genetic make-up of the given specimen. The following image and video illustrate the principle of gel electrophoresis.
Gel electrophoresis is also applicable for sorting RNA and proteins by size. The laboratory procedure for carrying out DNA gel electrophoresis is seen below.
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