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Multiple Choice
In gel electrophoresis, which fragments of DNA travel fastest through the gel?
A
Negatively charged fragments
B
Positively charged fragments
C
Large fragments
D
Small fragments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the principle of gel electrophoresis: It is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on size and charge by applying an electric field to a gel matrix.
Recognize that DNA molecules are negatively charged due to their phosphate backbone, which causes them to move towards the positive electrode during electrophoresis.
Consider the gel matrix, typically made of agarose or polyacrylamide, which acts as a sieve to separate DNA fragments by size.
Recall that smaller DNA fragments can navigate through the pores of the gel matrix more easily than larger fragments, allowing them to travel faster and further.
Conclude that in gel electrophoresis, small DNA fragments travel the fastest through the gel due to their ability to move more easily through the gel matrix.