Question

Gel electrophoresis separates nucleic acid molecules based on ____________

(a) charge on molecules

(b) size of the molecules

(c) nature of the molecules i.e. whether DNA or RNA

(d) chemical properties of the nucleic acids

This question was posed to me in my homework.

Question is taken from Gel electrophoresis, Oligonucleotide  & Microarrays topic in division Basics of Genetic Engineering of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) size of the molecules

Best explanation: Gel electrophoresis separates nucleic acid molecules on the basis of their size. The nucleic acid molecules move through the gel because of the force provided by the applied electric field.