- A Net electrical charge alone, since all DNA fragments carry identical mass
- B Absolute molecular mass alone, independent of fragment length or charge
- C Size (smaller fragments travel farther)
- D Specific nucleotide sequence composition recognized by the gel matrix
Correct answer: C. Size (smaller fragments travel farther)
Explanation: In agarose gel electrophoresis, all DNA fragments have the same charge-to-mass ratio, so separation is based on SIZE. Smaller fragments migrate through the gel pores faster and travel farther from the well.
Concept context
Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzyme kinetics. Essential foundation for understanding metabolism.