Gel electrophoresis basics

DNA fragments (or other macromolecules, such as RNA and proteins) can be separated based on their size and charge. By running a current through a gel containing the molecules of interest, gel electrophoresis causes molecules of different sizes to travel through the gel in different directions or at different speeds, allowing them to be separated from one another. Since DNA molecules have the same amount of charge per mass, gel electrophoresis of DNA fragments separates them based on size only. This allows for observation of many different DNA fragments which might be present in a sample and the sizes relative to one another. Determining the absolute size of a piece of DNA is possible by using a sample of DNA fragments of known sizes.

Overall, biotech jobs are expected to increase by 10% over the coming years. The number of jobs for biotech technicians is expected to increase by about 10,600 openings each year, on average, over the next decade. To learn more about biotechnology in agriculture, see our Biotechnology carer video. Other careers in biotechnology can be found at biotech-careers.org.