DNA and RNA will migrate in an electrical field with an appropriate buffer because of ionized phosphate groups, which are negatively charged and will migrate to the anode. The speed of migration and separation achieved is based on size, with smaller molecules traveling faster. The shape of macromolecules, type of support medium, and electrophoresis method also vary the separation results. The isolated nucleic acid can be single-stranded or double-stranded and fold into other structures.
AGE, PAGE, and CE are the most common electrophoresis methods for analyzing nucleic acids. Pulsed electric fields are needed to separate large fragments. The electrophoresis employed in blotting techniques enhances these discrimination techniques.
