Electrophoresis

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Electrophoresis is used as a method of separating DNA according to size, using a porous gel as a filter. By applying an electric current, the molecules of DNA are made to move through the gel towards the positive electrode (anode), with the smaller or more compact strands travelling the fastest.[1] This produces distinct bands of DNA, which can be identified by comparing with a known DNA sample 'ladder' run simultaeously.