Final answer:
Agarose gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. The DNA sample is loaded onto a gel made of agarose, and an electric current is applied to separate the DNA fragments based on their size. The separated DNA fragments can then be visualized using a DNA-specific dye and UV light.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. Agarose gel electrophoresis specifically uses agarose, a polysaccharide polymer extracted from seaweed, as the gel medium. The DNA sample is loaded onto the gel and an electric current is applied, causing the DNA to migrate through the gel based on its size. The smaller fragments will travel farther from the well, while the larger fragments will remain closer to the well. Once the separation is complete, the gel is stained with a DNA-specific dye and visualized under UV light.