Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that allows molecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins to be separated according to their size and electrical charge. When an electric current is applied, charged molecules move through a gel. Small molecules move more easily and travel longer distances, while larger molecules move more slowly.

To identify the size of DNA in a sample, a marker or ladder containing fragments of known lengths is run in parallel. By comparing the position of the bands, it is possible to estimate the size of the fragments present in the sample.

Buffers are essential for electrophoresis to work properly: they maintain pH, allow electrical conductivity, and preserve DNA integrity during separation.