DNA Test Study Guide (Gel Electrophoresis Part)

Which cord must be closest to the wells in order for the DNA to move?

Black end (negative charge) because the DNA has to move through the gel to the positive electrode (red cord).

Which type of charge does DNA have?

DNA has a negative charge.

How will DNA of the same length move? Where will their position be?

DNA strands of the same length will move at the same speed will end up grouped together.

What makes the DNA move?

Electrical currents make the DNA move.

Which shape will the DNA look like in the gel?

Groups show us bands in the gel.

When do scientist use gel electrophoresis?

Scientist use gel electrophoresis whenever they need to sort DNA strands according to length.

How do short strands move in contrast to long strands?

Short strands move quicker than longer strands.

Name all of the 5 steps in the gel electrophoresis process?

Steps: Step 1- Make a gel. Step 2- Set up the gel apparatus. Step 3- Load the DNA sample into the gel. Step 4- Hook up the electrical current/run the gel. Step 5- Strain the gel and analyze the results.

What will straining the sorted groups do?

Straining the sorted groups makes it visible to the naked eye.

What is the "gel" used for?

The "gel" is a filter that sorts the DNA strands.

What is the "electrophoresis" part used for?

The electrophoresis part is how we push the DNA strands through the gel filter.

What types of DNA will we be able to see?

We can see large groups of DNA strands, but not a single DNA strand.