is a fundamental laboratory technique used to separate macromolecules—specifically DNA, RNA, and proteins—based on their size and electrical charge . By applying an electric field to a buffered medium, scientists can "sort" complex biological mixtures into distinct bands, making it an indispensable tool in genetics, forensics, and clinical diagnostics. How It Works
Used for proteins. The detergent SDS unfolds the proteins and gives them a uniform negative charge, ensuring they are separated strictly by length rather than shape. Electrophoresis
An electrical current is applied. Since DNA and RNA are negatively charged due to their phosphate backbone, they migrate toward the positive electrode (anode). is a fundamental laboratory technique used to separate
It is used to detect abnormal proteins in blood or urine, which can indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or hemoglobin disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia). The detergent SDS unfolds the proteins and gives
The standard method for separating DNA fragments, often used after a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to verify results.