Gel Electrophoresis Post Lab Questions

AP Biology
Mrs. Ravesi-Weinstein

1. What is the purpose of restriction enzymes and where do they come from? Why do we think they
exist?

2. What is the function of each of the following in gel electrophoresis of DNA?

a. Agarose gel?
b. Electric current?
c. Wells in the gel?

3. Towards which pole (positive or negative) does the DNA migrate when the electric current is
running through the gel? Why do DNA molecules move towards this pole? What is the purpose of
having the negative pole BEHIND the wells and the positive pole at the opposite end?

4. What would happen to the DNA fragments if the electric current was left on too long?

5. Describe how different sized DNA fragments are separated by the agarose gel?

6. Why is the gel-fragment pattern produced by the DNA in an agarose gel likened to a fingerprint?
How is this helpful in modern day forensic science?

7. When preparing the gel, why does the solution need to be heated? Why not just mix and pour?

8. Why must the agarose solution be cooled to 55o before pouring it into the forms?

9. When placing the DNA samples into the wells, what is an important thing to avoid?

10. Why are all of the DNA fragments the same color?

11. Exam the following agarose gel and answer the questions:

A B C D E F
Band #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

a. What do the bands in the agarose gel represent?

b. How many bands are shared by all individuals?
c. Are there any bands that are unique to only one individual? If so, which one(s)?