Student Web quest: Gel Electrophoresis Go to this site:

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/

Objective: In this virtual lab, you will identify the resources and process of Gel Electrophoresis.

Introduction:

1. What is Gel Electrophoresis used for?

Gel Electrophoresis is used to sort and measure strands

2. Using the picture to the left, describe how DNA moves

through a gel.
The smaller strands of DNA are able to move t

Step One: Make the Gel & Step Two: Step up the Gel Apparatus

3. What is buffer and what is it used for?

A buffer is a salt water solution and it used to let electrical charges flow through the gel.

4. What is the purpose of the “comb?” The purpose of the comb is to form tiny "wells" (holes) to place the DNA in
Step Three: Load the DNA sample into the Gel

5. Label the following on your bench. Your Pipette tips (F) has already been done for you.

A Micropipette
______________________________ C DNA sample
______________________________

B Loading buffer
______________________________ D DNA size standard
______________________________

E Gel Box with buffer and gel

____________________________________________________

6. What are the two major functions of “Loading Buffer?”

It makes the sample easier to see
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
Also, makes the sample thicker, so that it will drop into the well
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
7. What is the function of the DNA Standard (also called the “Ladder”?)

It is to give you a reference by which to estimate the lengths of DNA strands in your sample.

Step Four: Hook up the Electrical Current and Run the Gel

8. Since DNA has a negative charge, in which direction will it go in the gel?
It will go towards the positive charge

9. If there are bubbles, what does this mean?

It is proof that a current is running.

Step Five: Stain the Gel and Analyze the Results

10. What is ethidium bromide? Why can it be dangerous?

It is a chemical that binds to DNA and shows up under f

6000

11. Read the following gel to the left. Put in the estimated
base pair lengths to the left in the boxes.
3500

12. Which fragments went the farthest through the gel,

large pieces of DNA (6000 bp) or smaller pieces of DNA
1500 (1000 bp)?

Smaller pieces of DNA

Analysis and Conclusions:

13. Gel Electrophoresis is used often in forensics. Look at the following gel to the
left. From the evidence DNA, which individual matches the DNA evidence left at the
crime scene?
Suspect #2 matches the evidence DNA

14. When running a gel, you need to have a positive control and a negative control.
What do these mean and what are they each used for?

Positive control is what the DNA gravitates towards and negative control repels

15. Name and discuss a source of error in performing and evaluating gel electrophoresis.

An error could be that the DNA might be damgaged while adding ethidium bromide.