gel electrophoresis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (technical term)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “gel electrophoresis” mean?
A laboratory technique that uses an electric field to separate charged molecules (like DNA or proteins) through a gel matrix based on their size and charge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A laboratory technique that uses an electric field to separate charged molecules (like DNA or proteins) through a gel matrix based on their size and charge.
The process is a fundamental tool in molecular biology, forensics, and biochemistry for analysing, identifying, and purifying nucleic acids and proteins.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differences are minimal and relate to accent (e.g., rhoticity).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and laboratory contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “gel electrophoresis” in a Sentence
to separate [molecules] by gel electrophoresisto subject [a sample] to gel electrophoresisto analyse [something] using gel electrophoresisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gel electrophoresis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The DNA fragments need to be electrophoresed on an agarose gel.
- We'll electrophorese the samples overnight.
American English
- The proteins were electrophoresed through a polyacrylamide gel.
- After extraction, the RNA was electrophoresed to check its quality.
adverb
British English
- The samples were separated electrophoretically.
- The DNA migrated electrophoretically towards the anode.
American English
- The proteins were resolved electrophoretically.
- The process works by moving molecules electrophoretically.
adjective
British English
- The electrophoretic mobility of the protein was calculated.
- We observed a clear electrophoretic band.
American English
- The electrophoretic profile showed three distinct fragments.
- An electrophoretic grade of agarose is required.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core technique in life sciences papers, lab reports, and methodology sections.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary register; used in protocols, equipment manuals, and lab discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gel electrophoresis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gel electrophoresis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gel electrophoresis”
- Mispronouncing 'electrophoresis' (e.g., electro-phor-EE-sis).
- Using it as a verb directly ('to gel electrophorese'); the correct verb is 'to electrophorese' or 'to run a gel'.
- Confusing it with other separation techniques like chromatography.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily uncountable when referring to the technique ('We use gel electrophoresis'). It can be countable when referring to individual experiments or runs ('We ran three gel electrophoreses').
Agarose gels have larger pores and are typically used for separating larger nucleic acid fragments. Polyacrylamide gels have smaller pores and offer higher resolution, used for smaller DNA fragments or proteins.
Yes, in technical jargon, 'to electrophorese' (meaning to subject a sample to electrophoresis) is an accepted verb form, though 'to run a gel' is more common in informal lab speech.
DNA molecules have a negative charge due to their phosphate backbone. Since opposite charges attract, they migrate through the gel towards the positive electrode (anode).
A laboratory technique that uses an electric field to separate charged molecules (like DNA or proteins) through a gel matrix based on their size and charge.
Gel electrophoresis is usually technical/scientific in register.
Gel electrophoresis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒel ɪˌlek.trə.fəˈriː.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒel ɪˌlek.troʊ.fəˈriː.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine JELL-O (gel) in a race (phoresis) where an electric current (electro) makes the smaller pieces move faster to the finish line.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MOLECULAR SIEVE or a RACE TRACK where molecules are runners sorted by size and charge.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of gel electrophoresis?