GEL ELECTROPHORESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Gel electrophoresis is a technique utilized in molecular biology and biochemistry to separate, analyze, and visualize macromolecules, primarily nucleic acids and proteins, based on their size, charge, or both. This method involves the utilization of a gel matrix, commonly made of agarose or polyacrylamide, as a scaffold for the separation process.
The gel, with small-sized pores, acts as a molecular sieve, allowing the migration of charged molecules through it. Prior to the separation, the target molecules are usually treated with a specialized dye to add color, aiding in their visualization. The sample mixture is loaded onto wells created at one end of the gel and an electric current is applied across it.
Under the influence of the electric field, the molecules in the sample move through the gel matrix at different rates, depending on their size and charge. Smaller molecules, being less hindered by the gel, migrate more rapidly while larger molecules migrate more slowly, resulting in the separation according to size. The separation process typically takes place in a buffer solution that provides the appropriate pH and ionic strength for optimal migration.
Once the electrophoresis is complete, the gel is typically stained with a dye to visualize the separated molecules. The resulting pattern of bands formed in the gel allows scientists to analyze the composition and quantity of the separated molecules, facilitating a wide range of studies, such as studying DNA fragments, genotyping, identifying proteins, and analyzing gene expression. Gel electrophoresis is an indispensable tool in molecular biology research and has significant applications in various fields, including forensics, medicine, genetic engineering, and biotechnology.
Common Misspellings for GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
- fel electrophoresis
- vel electrophoresis
- bel electrophoresis
- hel electrophoresis
- yel electrophoresis
- tel electrophoresis
- gwl electrophoresis
- gsl electrophoresis
- gdl electrophoresis
- grl electrophoresis
- g4l electrophoresis
- g3l electrophoresis
- gek electrophoresis
- gep electrophoresis
- geo electrophoresis
- gel wlectrophoresis
- gel slectrophoresis
- gel dlectrophoresis
- gel rlectrophoresis
- gel 4lectrophoresis
Etymology of GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
The term "gel electrophoresis" can be broken down into its components to understand its etymology:
1. Gel: The word "gel" comes from the Late Latin "gelāre", meaning "to freeze" or "to congeal". It subsequently evolved to the Old High German "gelōn" and Middle Low German "geleen", both meaning "to freeze" or "to solidify". In the context of electrophoresis, a gel refers to a semi-solid substance where the separation of molecules takes place.
2. Electrophoresis: The term "electrophoresis" is a combination of two roots. "Electro" comes from the Ancient Greek "ēlektron", meaning "amber", which was known to possess a static charge when rubbed. "Phoresis" comes from the Greek root "phor", meaning "to bear" or "to carry".
