Practice question

Electrophoresis separates charged macromolecules under influence of uniform electric field applied across a conductive buffer system. Molecules placed in buffer between electrodes experience electrostatic force proportional to net charge, causing directed migration toward oppositely charged electrode with velocity determined by charge-to-mass ratio. Migration rate is further modulated by molecular size, shape, and frictional interaction with support matrix providing sieving. This electrokinetic phenomenon underlies all variants including agarose, polyacrylamide, capillary, and isoelectric focusing. It does not rely on precipitation, magnetic fields, or simple diffusion, but specifically on electric field-based directed movement of polyelectrolytes.