Question

how are dna fragments separated using gel electrophoresis? smaller dna fragments move through the gel more quickly than larger - fragments. more highly charged dna fragments move through the gel more quickly. smaller dna fragments bind more strongly to the gel than do larger dna fragments. dna fragments complementary to probes in the gel travel more slowly through the matrix.

Explanation:

In gel electrophoresis, DNA fragments are separated by size. Smaller fragments can more easily navigate through the pores of the gel matrix and thus move more quickly than larger - sized fragments under an electric field. The charge - to - mass ratio is relatively constant for DNA, so charge is not the main factor in separation. Binding strength to the gel is not the key separation mechanism here, and complementarity to probes affects detection, not separation speed during electrophoresis.

Answer:

Smaller DNA fragments move through the gel more quickly than larger - fragments.