Which of the following factors can affect the resolution of bands in a gel electrophoresis experiment?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To tackle the question, we’ll evaluate what each option implies about factors that influence gel band resolution in electrophoresis.
Option 1: Gel concentration. The concentration of the gel determines the pore size of the matrix; a higher agarose or acrylamide concentration yields smaller pores, which can improve the separation of smaller fragments but may reduce the migration speed and affect overall resolution for larger fragments. Therefore, gel concentration is indeed a factor that can influence how clearly bands are resolved.
Option 2: All three factors. This option posits that resolution is impacted by multiple variables. Since gel concentration, voltage, and running time each influence diffusion, migration rate, and separation efficiency, they collectively can alter band sharpness and resolution. This is a plausible broad statement reflecting the interplay of several experimental parameters.
Option 3: Voltage applied. The electric field strength (voltage) drives DNA/sample migration. Higher voltages can increase the rate of separation and reduce run time, but excessive voltage can cause overheating, band smearing, or distortion, which harms resolution. Thus, voltage is a factor that affects resolution.
Option 4: Running time. The duration of electrophoresis determines how far bands travel and can influence resolution up to a point. If the run time is too short, bands may not separate enough; if too long, diffusion and band broadening can reduce sharpness. Therefore, running time affects resolution as well.
Overall, considering the roles of gel concentration, voltage, and running time, each one can impact band resolution, and in practice the resolution outcome is the result of their combined effects.

BIOL2309.13196.202610 Exam - Multiple Choice Part- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

Which of the following factors can affect the resolution of bands in a gel electrophoresis experiment?

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