During electrophoresis, DNA migration refers to:

During electrophoresis, DNA migration refers to:

• A. The movement of DNA toward the cathode
• B. The movement of DNA toward the anode
• C. The settling of DNA at the bottom of the gel
• D. The mixing of DNA with loading dye

Answer: (B)

The movement of DNA during electrophoresis refers to its migration toward the anode, which is the positively charged electrode. DNA molecules are inherently negatively charged due to their phosphate backbone. When an electric current is applied during electrophoresis, the negatively charged DNA is attracted to the positive electrode, the anode. This migration allows for the separation of DNA fragments based on their size; smaller fragments migrate faster and travel farther through the gel than larger ones. Understanding this process is fundamental in various applications of molecular biology, including DNA analysis, genotyping, and genetic fingerprinting, where the separation of DNA fragments is crucial for interpreting results correctly.

The movement of DNA during electrophoresis refers to its migration toward the anode, which is the positively charged electrode. DNA molecules are inherently negatively charged due to their phosphate backbone. When an electric current is applied during electrophoresis, the negatively charged DNA is attracted to the positive electrode, the anode. This migration allows for the separation of DNA fragments based on their size; smaller fragments migrate faster and travel farther through the gel than larger ones.

Understanding this process is fundamental in various applications of molecular biology, including DNA analysis, genotyping, and genetic fingerprinting, where the separation of DNA fragments is crucial for interpreting results correctly.