Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Agarose gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge. A gel made from agarose, a substance derived from seaweed, is prepared and placed in a tray. Samples are loaded into wells in the gel, and an electric current is applied, causing the molecules to migrate through the gel matrix. Smaller molecules move faster and travel further than larger ones.
As the molecules move, they create distinct bands that can be visualized after staining. This method is widely used in molecular biology for analyzing genetic material, checking the purity of samples, and preparing for further experiments.