Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is a tried-and-true technique used for the separation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA) or protein molecules using an electric current applied to a gel matrix.  Electrophoresis is usually performed for analytical purposes, but may also be used as a preparative technique prior to sample analysis using other analytical methods such as mass spectrometry, PCR, cloning, DNA sequencing or Southern blotting for further characterization. The term, “electrophoresis” refers to the movement of particles through a porous matrix by electromotive force (EMF). It works by placing sample molecules in wells in the gel and applying an electric current. The molecules will move through the matrix at different rates and become separated on the basis of their mass and/or charge.