Electrophorese

/ɪˌlɛktrəfoʊˈriz/ verb

Definition

To separate molecules or particles by applying an electric field through a gel or solution, causing them to move at different speeds.

Etymology

From electrophore + -ese (from Greek -esis, action/process). The term was coined in the early 20th century as biochemists developed this crucial laboratory technique.

Kelly Says

DNA fingerprinting and the Human Genome Project both relied on electrophoresis—by running electricity through jelly-like gels, scientists could literally read the blueprint of life.

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