Question

which pieces of dna would move the fastest through the agarose gel as it is subjected to the electrical current?
a. the fragments with more g and c bases.
b. the fragments with more a and t bases.
c. the longest fragments.
d. the shortest fragments.

Explanation:

In agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA fragments move through the gel matrix under an electrical current. The movement is influenced by the size of the fragments. Smaller DNA fragments encounter less resistance from the gel matrix and can move more easily and quickly. The base composition (G - C or A - T) does not directly affect the speed of movement through the gel in terms of the physical process of electrophoresis (it may affect other properties like melting temperature but not the rate of migration through the gel based on the principle of size - based separation). Longer fragments are more hindered by the gel matrix and move slower.

Answer:

d. The shortest fragments.