Question

Gel matrices are generally of two types Agarose and Polyacrylamide. Which of the statements is correct with respect to agarose gels?

(a) Agarose is a polysaccharide which is obtained from red algae

(b) Agarose is a polysaccharide obtained from fungus

(c) It is composed of glucose residues

(d) It is obtained via dissolving in its water by boiling in water and then cooling it

The question was asked at a job interview.

This intriguing question originated from Gel electrophoresis, Oligonucleotide  & Microarrays topic in division Basics of Genetic Engineering of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Agarose is a polysaccharide which is obtained from red algae

For explanation I would say: Agarose is a polysaccharide which is obtained from red algae. It is composed of galactose residues. Agarose gel is obtained via dissolving in it a buffer by boiling it and then cooling it. It leads to the formation of agar in conjunction with other polysaccharides, agropectin.