A crime occurred, and a suspect is named, but did he really do it? Biology II AP forensic scientists used their biotechnological skills to crack the case. With the help of gel electrophoresis, they analyzed DNA samples and determined that the suspect was not at the scene of the crime, thus exonerating him.

About Gel Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate and analyze molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, based on their size and charge. The molecules are placed in a gel matrix, and an electric current is applied to the gel. The molecules move through the gel matrix towards the opposite electrode, with smaller molecules moving faster and farther than larger molecules.

Once the electrophoresis is complete, the gel is stained with a dye that binds to the molecules of interest, making them visible. This allows researchers to analyze the size and quantity of the molecules, as well as their purity and integrity.