Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate charged molecules—such as DNA, RNA, and proteins—by making them move through a gel or other medium under an electric field, where different sizes and charges travel at different speeds.

Basic idea

  • A sample containing charged molecules is loaded into wells in a gel or similar matrix.
  • When voltage is applied, negatively charged molecules migrate toward the positive electrode, and positively charged ones move toward the negative electrode.
  • Smaller or differently shaped molecules move more easily through the gel’s pores, so the mixture separates into distinct bands over time.

What electrophoresis is used for

  • Analysing DNA and RNA fragments, for example in genetic testing, cloning, or checking PCR products.
  • Separating and studying proteins, such as in medical diagnostics or research on enzymes and antibodies.
  • Checking purity, size, and approximate quantity of biomolecules in research labs and biotech industries.

Common types

  • Gel electrophoresis (agarose or polyacrylamide) for DNA, RNA, and proteins.
  • Capillary electrophoresis, which uses thin capillaries and is often automated for high‑resolution separations.
  • Specialized variants like SDS-PAGE (for proteins) and isoelectric focusing (separating molecules by isoelectric point).

Quick Scoop recap

  • Electrophoresis = separating charged molecules using an electric field in a gel or similar medium.
  • Movement depends mainly on charge, size, and shape of the molecules.
  • It is a core tool in modern genetics, molecular biology, and clinical diagnostics.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.