To separate genomic DNA fragments by size, which of these laboratory methods is most useful?
A. Filtration
B. Spectrophotometry
C. Titration
D. Electrophoresis
One of the most common techniques for separating DNA fragments by size is electrophoresis. Electrophoresis is a process that uses an electric field to move charged molecules through a porous gel matrix. The gel acts as a sieve, allowing smaller molecules to move faster and farther than larger ones. By applying a dye to the DNA samples and loading them into wells at one end of the gel, the DNA fragments can be visualized as bands after electrophoresis. The distance of each band from the well indicates the size of the corresponding DNA fragment.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.