Electrophoresis Machine

Purpose

Electrophoresis is mainly used to:

Analyze DNA or RNA fragments

Study proteins and enzymes

Compare genetic samples

Check the purity or size of biomolecules

Principle of Operation

The machine works on the principle that charged particles move in an electric field:

Negatively charged molecules (like DNA) move toward the positive electrode (anode)

Smaller molecules move faster through a gel than larger ones

The gel acts as a molecular sieve

Main Components

Power Supply

Provides controlled voltage and current

Determines the speed of molecule movement

Electrophoresis Chamber (Tank)

Holds the gel and buffer solution

Contains electrodes at each end

Gel Medium

Commonly agarose (for DNA/RNA) or polyacrylamide (for proteins)

Has small pores that separate molecules by size

Buffer Solution

Conducts electricity

Maintains stable pH and temperature

Sample Wells

Small holes in the gel where samples are loaded

Electrodes

Create the electric field that drives molecule movement

Working Process

The gel is prepared and placed in the chamber

Samples are loaded into wells

Buffer is added to cover the gel

Power is switched on

Molecules migrate through the gel

Separated bands are visualized using stains or dyes