Needed Kitchen Electrophoresis Procedure Material Preparation Guide Electrophoresis Applications Electrophoresis is a standard molecular biological technique for separating nucleic acids and proteins by size. DNA, RNA or protein samples are placed in a special gel and subjected to an electric field. After the samples have been separated, the resulting bands are stained with dyes such as ethidium bromide or methylene blue so that they can be seen.
Gel electrophoresis is used to provide genetic information in a wide range of fields.
Human DNA can be analyzed to provide evidence in criminal cases, to diagnose genetic disorders and to solve paternity cases. Samples may be obtained from any DNA-containing tissue or body fluid, including blood, skin, hair and semen. DNA profiling is also used by scientists in other fields of biology. Conservation biologists use DNA profiling to determine genetic similarity and kinship among populations or individuals. Biologists who study animal behavior use DNA profiling to determine kinship among members of a group and its effects on relationships.