Question: 136. Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The DNA fragments extracted from gel electrophoresis can be used in construction of recombinant DNA.
Statement II: Smaller size DNA fragments are observed near anode while larger fragments are found near the wells in an agarose gel.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(1) Both statement I and statement II are correct
(2) Both statement I and statement II are incorrect
(3) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect
(4) Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct
Answer: Option (1)
Explanation:
DNA fragments separated by gel electrophoresis can be cut out of the gel and purified. These purified fragments are commonly used in creating recombinant DNA molecules by inserting them into vectors. Thus, Statement I is correct.
During agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA molecules migrate toward the anode because they are negatively charged due to phosphate groups. Smaller DNA fragments move faster and travel farther toward the anode, while larger fragments move slowly and remain closer to the wells. Therefore, Statement II is also correct.