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Multiple Choice
Agarose gels are commonly used in organic chemistry to study DNA fragments. What size range of DNA fragments can be effectively separated using agarose gel electrophoresis?
A
1 to 100 base pairs
B
100,000 to 1,000,000 base pairs
C
10,000 to 100,000 base pairs
D
100 to 10,000 base pairs
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the principle of agarose gel electrophoresis: It is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. DNA molecules are negatively charged and move towards the positive electrode when an electric field is applied.
Consider the pore size of agarose gel: The concentration of agarose in the gel determines the pore size. Higher concentrations result in smaller pores, which are suitable for separating smaller DNA fragments.
Identify the effective size range: Agarose gels are typically used to separate DNA fragments ranging from 100 to 10,000 base pairs. This range is optimal because the gel's pore size allows for effective separation of these sizes.
Compare with other options: The size range of 1 to 100 base pairs is too small for agarose gels, which are better suited for larger fragments. The range of 10,000 to 100,000 base pairs may require different techniques or gel concentrations.
Conclude the effective range: Based on the properties of agarose gel and its common use in laboratories, the effective size range for separation is 100 to 10,000 base pairs.