electroferesis

Electroferesis, also known as electrophoresis, is a laboratory technique used to separate molecules based on their size and electrical charge. It is a widely used method in biology, chemistry, and medicine for analyzing DNA, RNA, proteins, and other charged molecules. The process involves placing a sample into a gel matrix, typically made of agarose or polyacrylamide, and then applying an electric field across the gel.

Molecules within the sample begin to migrate through the gel matrix at different speeds depending on their charge and size. Negatively charged molecules will move towards the positive electrode (anode), while positively charged molecules will move towards the negative electrode (cathode). Smaller molecules will generally move faster through the gel than larger ones, as they can navigate the pores of the matrix more easily.

Once the separation is complete, the molecules can be visualized using various staining techniques. This allows researchers to analyze the composition of the sample, identify specific molecules, and determine their relative abundance. Applications of electroferesis are vast, including DNA fingerprinting, protein analysis in disease diagnosis, and the purification of biomolecules for research and therapeutic purposes. The specific type of gel and buffer used can be tailored to optimize the separation of different types of molecules.