Gel Electrophoresis

In this simulation, you will conduct gel electrophoresis to separate different solutions of dyes.

What do you need to know before this laboratory starts?

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate biomolecules, such as DNA and RNA, in an agarose gel composed of tiny pores according to their size and electrical charge.
An electric current applied to the gel migrates the charged biomolecules towards the oppositely charged electrode.
Since DNA fragments have a similar negative charge, they all move towards the positive electrode.
Smaller molecules will move through the pores in the gel faster than larger molecules.
Loading dye is often used to visualize how fast a gel is running and adds weight to your sample, allowing it to sink to the bottom of the well.