gel electrophoresis
What gel electrophoresis means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of gel electrophoresis
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain gel electrophoresis in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A process that separates DNA fragments, which are negatively charged due to phosphate groups and so migrate through the gel towards the anode, with the gel acting as a sieve so shorter fragments travel further.
A method of separating DNA fragments by length, in which the negatively charged DNA moves towards the anode and the gel sieves the fragments so shorter ones travel further.
A method that separates fragments according to their length or size, with fragments moving towards the positive electrode due to DNA's negative charge.
Topics that use gel electrophoresis
- DNA, genes and chromosomes (AQA A-Level)
- Genetic fingerprinting (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- variable number tandem repeats
- alleles
- base sequence
- chromatin
- circular organelle DNA
- crossing over
- degenerate code
- DNA hybridisation
Using gel electrophoresis in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge