Separating biological materials by size and charge

Gel electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a common molecular biology technique that is used to separate biological materials by virtue of their size and/or charge.

In a gel electrophoresis experiment:

  • An electrical field prompts negatively charged material to migrate toward a positively charged cathode through a fibrous gel matrix.
  • The speed at which nucleotide chains and proteins migrate through the surrounding gel matrix is dependent upon their molecular weight.
  • Researchers can use this information identify specific components by virtue of their size.

Identification of specific nucleotide and protein components in electrophoresis is made possible through use of a carefully controlled set of molecular weight markers, colloquially known as a “ladder”.

Molecular weight standards (ladder) for protein and DNA electrophoresis

OneMARK 100 DNA Ladder BLUltra Prestained Protein Ladder

Left: DNA ladder ABIN649014, a ready-to-use molecular weight marker from antibodies-online for use in agarose gel electrophoresis. Right: Protein ladder ABIN2868518 is a three-color protein molecular weight marker from antibodies-online for use in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

High-Quality, Ready-to-Use Marker available at antibodies-online

Due to the ubiquitous nature of gel electrophoresis in experimental biology, nucleotide and protein molecular weight standards for electrophoresis are among the most important common-use laboratory products. antibodies-online is proud to announce that we now offer high-quality, ready-to-use, affordable molecular weight markers for both agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis experiments. These unique products don’t require any dilution, and come in a ready-to-use format, complete with loading buffer and visible tracking dyes.

Note: Make sure you also look into Nimble Juice and Novel Juice, a set of easy-to-use, bright, and ecologically-friendly stains for use with protein and DNA.

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