Electrophoretic

Electrophoretic is a term used in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to describe the movement of dispersed particles relative to a fluid under the influence of a spatially uniform electric field. This phenomenon is often used in laboratories to separate macromolecules based on their size. The technique is called Electrophoresis.

Overview

Electrophoretic techniques are used in laboratories to separate macromolecules based on size. These techniques include Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, and Capillary Electrophoresis. These techniques are used to analyze proteins and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

Principles

The basic principle of electrophoresis is that charged particles will migrate in an electric field towards the electrode with the opposite charge. The rate of migration depends on the strength of the field; the net charge, size, and shape of the molecule; and the ionic strength, viscosity, and temperature of the medium in which the molecules are moving.

Applications

Electrophoretic techniques are widely used in many different fields, including Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Chemistry. They are used for both research and diagnostic purposes.

See Also

• Electrophoresis
• Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE)
• Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
• Capillary Electrophoresis
• Biochemistry
• Forensic Science
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Clinical Chemistry

Electrophoretic Resources
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