|
Correct Answer: electrophoresis
the correct answer to the question "the migration of charged solutes or particles in an electrical field is called:" is electrophoresis.
electrophoresis is a technique used in laboratories to separate macromolecules based on size, charge, or binding affinity. the principle behind electrophoresis is that charged molecules will move in an electric field toward an electrode with an opposite charge. the rate at which these molecules migrate is influenced by their size, shape, and electric charge.
the key components involved in the process of electrophoresis include:
1. **the driving force**: this is usually an electric current that creates the electric field within the electrophoresis setup. the electric field is generated by applying a voltage across the gel or other medium, causing the charged molecules to move.
2. **the support medium**: commonly, this medium is a gel, such as agarose or polyacrylamide, which acts as a sieve to separate molecules based on size and shape. the choice of gel depends on the specific type of molecules being separated.
3. **the buffer**: the buffer is a solution that conducts electricity and maintains a stable ph during the electrophoresis process. it ensures that the electric field is uniform and that the molecules maintain their charge.
4. **the sample**: this is the mixture of molecules that is loaded into the support medium for separation. samples can be dna, rna, proteins, or other types of molecules.
5. **the detecting system**: after the electrophoresis is complete, the molecules within the gel need to be visualized. this can be done through various staining methods, depending on the type of molecule. for example, ethidium bromide is commonly used for visualizing dna.
the movement of molecules during electrophoresis can be influenced by several factors, including the voltage applied, the composition of the buffer, the type of gel, and the overall setup of the system. mastery of electrophoresis allows researchers to analyze biological molecules for numerous applications, including genetic fingerprinting, clinical diagnostics, and the purification of biological substances.
|
