Biology: Virtual Electrophoresis Lab
Learning Objectives:
1. Become familiar with the equipment used and the procedures needed for DNA
Extraction
2. Become familiar with the equipment used and the procedures needed for Gel
Electrophoresis
Directions: Go to the website: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/biotech/gel/
Do the lab 2x, answer all the questions that follow as you complete the
virtual lab.
1. How do you sort and measure DNA strands even though they are so small?
2. What other molecules does electrophoresis come in handy for separating?
3. Explain in your own words how the gel works.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Do you think the DNA has a positive or a negative charge?
________________the sorted groups makes them visible to the naked eye.
After doing electrophoresis can we see a single DNA strand?
List the 5 major steps used in electrophoresis?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
8. What materials will you need to make the gel?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
9. What is the comb used for?
10. What is the use of the buffer in the electrophoresis box?
11. What does the DNA size standard contain?
12. What do the bubbles on the electrodes tell you?
13. What is the approximate length of the strands in the DNA sample that you ran?
a.
b.
c.
14. What units are used to measure DNA strand length?