question_answer

Give reasons for the following:

(i) DNA always moves towards anode during gel - electrophoresis.

(ii) For isolating the genetic material from a fungal cell chitinase enzyme is used.

(iii) Restriction enzymes are called chemical scalpels.

Answer:

(i) DNA is negatively charged molecule and anode is positively charged. Being electronegative DNA always move towards anode during gel-electrophoresis.

(ii) The cell wall of fungi is made up of chitin. Therefore, for isolating, the genetic material from a fungal cell chitinase enzyme is used to break the cell wall.

(iii) Restriction enzymes are called chemical scalpels or molecular scissors because they cut the DNA at specific sequences between base pairs.