What Is a Molecular Weight Marker?
A molecular weight marker is a molecule used to provide an estimate of the size of molecules subjected to gel electrophoresis. This is a technique in which DNA, RNA, or proteins are separated by size, using an electrical current on a gel. This term should not be confused with molecular markers in genetics — areas in which an organism’s DNA differs from the rest of the population and can be identified with a DNA probe.
A molecular weight marker is a molecule used to provide an estimate of the size of molecules subjected to gel electrophoresis. This is a technique in which DNA, RNA, or proteins are separated by size, using an electrical current on a gel. This term should not be confused with molecular markers in genetics — areas in which an organism’s DNA differs from the rest of the population and can be identified with a DNA probe. Protein molecular weight markers are commonly used when proteins are separated by gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight marker is a group of proteins of known molecular weight, which are generally provided by biotechnology companies in a particular size range. One chooses the size range based on the samples being studied. The molecular weight markers are loaded together and separate out during the run. By measuring the distance traveled by the markers and the protein of interest, one can determine the size of the experimental protein.
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