Name and describe the technique that helps in separation and isolation of DNA fragments for biotechnology experiment.

The cutting of DNA by restriction endonucleases results in the fragments of DNA. These fragments can be separated by the technique named gel electrophoresis.

Description of Gel electrophoresis –

• DNA fragments are negatively charged molecules so they can be separated by forcing them to move towards the anode under electric field through a medium/matrix.

• Nowadays the most commonly used matrix is agarose which is a natural polymer extracted from sea weeds.

• The DNA fragments separate according to their size through sieving effect provided by the matrix.

• Hence, the smaller the fragment size, the farther it moves.