Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is the separation of particles caused by an electric current. Scientists use this
process to examine the human body and other species at the genetic level. The process
separates components of DNA to determine the presence of certain genetic makers and even
the presence of disorders and diseases. The relative low cost and extreme accuracy of the
testing has enabled science to map genetic markers for a variety of blood-borne disorders,
including sickle cell anemia.

Versatility in Identification

 Electrophoresis is a versatile diagnostic test in that it can be used for both protein and nucleic
acid separations or for protein separation fingerprinting. This system is often used in the
medical field to diagnose a variety of genetic blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and
thalassemia in either one dimensional or two dimensional tests to separate proteins and
identify genetic markers. Electrophoresis has also been used to determine different species of
fish as well as determining valuable traits of soybean and wheat by analyzing and separating
component DNA.

Accuracy of Results

 Electrophoresis is extremely accurate. When the process is carried out correctly, it can
separate proteins present within a cell into as many as 1,500 distinct parts. The system is also
highly selective in that it is able to notice differences in DNA samples even if such samples differ
by as little as two base pairs. This provides for reliable test results that enable scientists and lab
technicians to draw conclusions about the genetic makeup of tested species to grow hardier
crops, determine the likely presence of a disease in the human body, and perhaps one day
eliminate it on the genetic level.

Low Cost to Use

 According to Crop Science, a journal for genomics, molecular genetics, and biotechnology
published by Michigan State University, the cost of electrophoresis is an estimated $2.60 per
gel sample run through analysis, or less than three cents per point of data. In terms of genetic
research and analysis this makes electrophoresis one of the cheapest means of identifying
genetic markers on a larger scale with machines holding as many as 100 samples at a time.

Types of electrophoresis

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

 Agarose gels are commonly used to sort DNA and RNA molecules based on size. The agarose
gel concentration can be varied, based on the size of the molecules that need to be isolated.
SDS-PAGE Electrophoresis

 Sodium dodecyl sulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins

based on size. The proteins are unfolded, or denatured, using SDS detergent, and run on a
polyacrylamide gel.

DNA Sequencing Gels

 Denatured DNA can be run on polyacrylamide gels, which allows scientists to determine the
sequence of the molecule.

Native Protein Electrophoresis

 Proteins can remain folded in the native conformation and run on gels to separate them by
both mass and charge.

Electrofocusing Electrophoresis

 Electrofocusing separates proteins on the basis of charge as well as pH; the gel used in this
type of electrophoresis has a pH gradient.