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capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate small molecules, like proteins or DNA fragments, based on their size and charge. It involves forcing these substances through a narrow tube filled with a gel-like material while applying an electric current. The charged molecules move at different speeds: smaller or more highly charged ones move faster than larger or less charged ones. As a result, they are separated into distinct bands, allowing scientists to analyze and identify them. This method is highly efficient and requires small samples, making it valuable in fields like biochemistry and forensics.

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  • Image for capillary electrophoresis

    Capillary electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate and analyze small amounts of substances, typically charged molecules like proteins or DNA. It works by placing a sample in a thin, narrow tube (capillary) filled with a liquid. When an electric current is applied, the charged molecules move at different speeds, allowing scientists to separate them. This method is highly efficient and requires only tiny sample sizes, making it valuable in fields like biochemistry, forensics, and medical diagnostics to help identify and quantify various biological components.