- Gel Electrophoresis: a procedure that separates restriction fragments
- DNA fragments of diff lengths are separated as they diffuse thru a gelatinous material under influence of an electrical field
- DNA has same charge per mass so separated only by lengths
- Since DNA is (-) charged (bcuz of phosphate groups) it moves towards (+) electrode
- Shorter fragments move further thru the gel than longer, heavier fragments
Uses process to compare DNA fragments of presumed closely related species to determine evolutionary relationships
Forensic Evidence and Genetic Profile
- When restriction fragments between individuals of same species are compared, the fragments differ in length because of polymorphisms (slight differences in DNA sequences)
- Fragments called restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
- In DNA fingerprinting, compare produced RFLPs to find match