Electrophoresis Systems

Electrophoresis is a technique where DNA, RNA and protein can be separated based on their size/mass and/or electrical charge. Molecules are subjected to an electrical field which causes the movement through a matrix. The matrix can be an agarose gel, polyacrylamide gel or capillary tube. Electrophoresis systems contain all the modules needed for separation: gel box or capillary array, power supply and buffer receptacle. Automated systems may also include imaging and analysis software. The appropriate system depends of the type of molecule, charge, and size. Very large DNA fragments can be resolved with pulse field electrophoresis; small DNA fragments can be resolved with horizontal systems. Proteins can be separated and transferred in vertical systems. Proteins can be separated by mass and charge at the same time in 2D electrophoresis systems. Important considerations for choosing an appropriate system are sample volume, type of sample, detection method, analysis system, laboratory space available and electrophoresis budget