Sähköfooreesi

Sähköfooreesi, also known as electrophoresis, is a laboratory technique used to separate molecules based on their size and electrical charge. It is commonly employed in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins. The fundamental principle involves applying an electric field across a gel matrix, typically made of agarose or polyacrylamide. Charged molecules within the sample will migrate through the gel towards the electrode with the opposite charge. Smaller molecules move through the gel matrix more readily than larger ones, resulting in separation based on size.

The process begins with preparing a gel, into which the sample is loaded into wells. An electrical current is then applied, causing the molecules to move. The migration rate is influenced by the molecule's size, charge, and the gel's pore size. After a period of electrophoresis, the separated molecules are visualized using various staining techniques. For DNA and RNA, common stains include ethidium bromide or SYBR Green, which fluoresce under UV light. Proteins can be stained with dyes like Coomassie Brilliant Blue. The resulting pattern of bands in the gel provides information about the composition and relative abundance of the molecules in the original sample. Sähköfooreesi is a versatile tool for applications such as DNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and protein purification.