What technique separates DNA fragments by size?Multiple choice question.cloningcreating genetically modified organismselectrophoresispolymerase chain reaction

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the question: What technique separates DNA fragments by size?
2. Analyze the answer choices:
   • Cloning
   • Creating genetically modified organisms
   • Electrophoresis
   • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Relevant Concepts

• Cloning: A method to create copies of DNA fragments or cells but not primarily for size separation.
• Creating Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Involves altering the genetic material of an organism but does not involve separating DNA by size.
• Electrophoresis: A technique that uses an electric field to separate DNA fragments based on their size, with smaller fragments moving faster than larger ones through a gel medium.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A method used to amplify DNA, but does not separate fragments by size.

Analysis and Detail

• Electrophoresis is the standard laboratory method for separating DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size. It works by applying an electric current to a gel matrix where the molecules move at different rates: larger fragments migrate more slowly, while smaller fragments move faster.

Verify and Summarize

• Given that electrophoresis is the only technique among the options specifically designed to separate DNA fragments by size, it is the correct choice.

Final Answer

Electrophoresis is the technique that separates DNA fragments by size.