Question 41

Electrophoresis is the most useful laboratory method for separating genomic DNA fragments by size.

Electrophoresis effectively separates DNA fragments based on their size, allowing for analysis and characterization of genomic DNA.

A) Titration

Titration is a quantitative chemical analysis method used to determine the concentration of a solute in a solution. It is not suitable for separating DNA fragments by size, as it does not involve size-based separation mechanisms.

B) Spectrophotometry

Spectrophotometry is a technique used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample. While it can be used to quantify nucleic acids, it does not separate DNA fragments by size, making it ineffective for the purpose stated in the question.

C) Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a method that uses an electric field to move charged particles, such as DNA fragments, through a gel. The size of the fragments affects their movement through the gel matrix, allowing for effective separation and analysis based on size.

D) Filtration

Filtration is a physical separation method that involves passing a mixture through a filter to separate particles based on size. While it can separate different substances, it is not specifically designed for the precise separation of genomic DNA fragments by size like electrophoresis is.

Conclusion

Electrophoresis stands out as the correct method for separating genomic DNA fragments by size due to its reliance on the size-dependent movement of DNA through a gel matrix. Other options, such as titration, spectrophotometry, and filtration, do not provide the same capability for size-based separation, making them unsuitable for this specific laboratory task.