Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate mixtures of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, based on their size and charge. The process involves placing the sample in a gel matrix, typically made of agarose or polyacrylamide, and applying an electric current. Molecules move through the gel, with smaller ones traveling faster than larger ones.
After the separation, the gel is stained to visualize the molecules, allowing researchers to analyze the results. This technique is widely used in various fields, including genetics, molecular biology, and forensic science, for tasks like DNA fingerprinting and gene analysis.