(a) Write the importance of gel electrophoresis in biotechnology.

(b) Explain the different steps carried in gel electrophoresis to get the desired results.

a. Gel electrophoresis is an important technique in biotechnology to separate the fragments of DNA

b. The steps carried in gel electrophoresis are:

i. Negatively charged DNA fragments move towards anode under an electric field through agarose gel medium.

ii. The DNA fragments separate according to their size through sieving effect, smaller fragments move farther.

iii. The fragments can be visualised after staining with ethidium bromide (EtBr) followed by exposure to UV radiation.

iv. Separated bands of DNA are cut out from agarose gel and extracted from the gel piece.