By 1st Group :

Salmi Seprianti (1310411054)

Irwan (1310412035)
Abdillah Adam (1310412003)

Electrophoresis Separates Nucleic Acids

1. Principle of separation
Gel electrophoresis is one of the main techniques in molecular biology. The basic principle of this
technique is that DNA, RNA, or proteins can be separated by an electric field. In this case, the molecules
are separated based on the rate of displacement by the electromotive force in the gel matrix. The transfer
rate depends on the size of the molecule in question.
In principle, this technique is similar to chromatography: separating mixtures based on differences in
material nature. In gel electrophoresis, separation performed on a mixture of materials with different
electrical charge depending
The nucleic acid molecules are separated by an electric field in which the negative molecules will
migrate to the positive pole (anode). Displacement process is based on the molecular weight of the
molecule, where a smaller molecular weight molecules will then be able to move quickly.

2. Picture or scheme of apparatus with explanation

The nucleic acid molecules are separated by an electric field in which the negative molecules will migrate to
the positive pole (anode). Displacement process is based on the molecular weight of the molecule, where a
smaller molecular weight molecules will then be able to move quickly.

3. How to detect the separated DNA?

After the electrophoresis has been completed there are different methods that may be used to make the
separated DNA species in the gel visible to the human eye.

3.1. Ethidium bromide staining (EBS)

The localization of DNA within the agarose gel can be determined directly by staining with low
concentrations of intercalating fluorescent ethidium bromide dye under ultraviolet light.

3.2 Silver staining (SS)

Silver staining is a highly sensitive method for the visualization of nucleic acid and protein bands after
electrophoretic separation on polyacrylamide gels. Nucleic acids and proteins bind silver ions, which
can be reduced to insoluble silver metal granules. Sufficient silver deposition is visible as a dark brown
band on the gel.

References :
Barril, Patricia & Silvia Nates. 2010. Introduction to Agarose and Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
Matrices with Respect to Their Detection Sensitivities. Argentina : Instituto de Virologa Dr. J. M.
Vanella, Facultad de Ciencias Mdicas, Universidad Nacional de Crdoba, Crdoba.

Dinda.. Elektrolisis. 13 mei 2008. http://medicafarma.blogspot.com/2008/05/elektroforesis.html

(diakses 30 agustus 2014)