CBSE · Class 12 · Biology · Biotechnology: Principles and ProcessesExplain the principle of Agarose Gel Electrophoresis.

Agarose gel electrophoresis is a fundamental laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and molecular weight. Because nucleic acids possess a negative electrical charge due to their phosphate backbone, they migrate towards the positive anode when an electric field is applied through an agarose matrix. Smaller fragments navigate through the microscopic pores of the gel matrix faster and farther than larger fragments, resulting in clear, distinct size-based separation bands.