Why Must an Agarose Gel Be Placed in a Buffer

question 17

Multiple Choice

Why must an agarose gel be placed in a buffer solution for DNA gel electrophoresis?

• A) Ions in the buffer conduct the electric current needed to move the DNA fragments in the gel matrix. 
• B) The DNA fragments will disintegrate unless there is a buffer present to prevent this from happening.
• C) Even distilled, autoclaved water has a high number of DNases in it that would destroy the DNA.
• D) The buffer contains phosphates, and the DNA fragments must be phosphorylated before they move in agarose.
• E) DNA cannot be detected unless buffer is added to the system; the buffer colors the DNA fragments for visualization.