How Gel Electrophoresis Is Used in Real Life Today

Forensics uses gel electrophoresis to study the DNA of individuals or organisms.

Gel electrophoresis was first utilized around the mid 1900s and has become a vital tool in many areas of science and society. An important tool in fields associated with the biological sciences, gel electrophoresis allows scientists and researchers to study and compare macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

Genetics

The field of genetics studies DNA and its involvement in the heredity and variation of genes in biological organisms. Sometimes overlapping with the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry, genetics is used in medicine and research to study and fight human diseases. Genetics also involves DNA sequencing which catalogs sections of DNA of different biological species. The vast amount of data obtained through DNA sequencing has resulted in the field of genomics which studies the genetic patterns within biological organisms.

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

The sometimes overlapping fields of molecular biology and biochemistry both utilize gel electrophoresis in the study of DNA, RNA and proteins in living organisms. While molecular biology studies the interactions of systems within a cell, biochemistry studies the chemical processes within the cells of biological organisms.

Forensics

Combining aspects of biological and chemical sciences with law enforcement, forensics seeks to identify chemicals and compounds involved in a crime or investigation as well as correctly identify a species or individual by the study of DNA. It is also used in the investigation of faulty products and processes. Gel electrophoresis aids in accurate research and helps to correctly identify causes and criminals.

References

• The Scientist: Tools and Technology.
• Absolute Astronomy: Genetics.
• Absolute Astronomy: Gel Electrophoresis, Applications.
• Human Genome Project Information: DNA Forensics.