Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Biotechnology -Principles and Processes

Question:

What is the determining factor for the movement of DNA fragments on agarose gel during gel electrophoresis?

Options:

The greater the fragment size, the farther it moves.

The smaller the fragment size, the farther it moves.

Positively charged fragments move to the farther end.

Negatively charged fragments do not move.

Correct Answer:

The smaller the fragment size, the farther it moves.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) -The smaller the fragment size, the farther it moves.

The process of cutting DNA using restriction endonucleases results in the formation of DNA fragments. These fragments can be separated using a technique called gel electrophoresis.

Since DNA fragments are negatively charged molecules, they can be separated by applying an electric field, causing them to move towards the anode through a medium or matrix.Agarose, a natural polymer extracted from seaweeds, is commonly used as the matrix. The DNA fragments separate based on their size due to the sieving effect provided by the agarose gel. Smaller fragments move farther compared to larger fragments.