DNA fragments generated by the restriction endonucleases in a chemical reaction can be separated by :

Options

A. Electrophoresis
B. Restriction mapping
C. Centrifugation
D. Polymerase chain reaction

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Restriction Endonucleases**:
- Restriction endonucleases are enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences. This process generates smaller DNA fragments from a longer DNA strand.

2. **Identifying the Need for Separation**:
- After the DNA has been cut into fragments, it is essential to separate these fragments for further analysis or experimentation.

3. **Choosing the Separation Method**:
- The most common method for separating DNA fragments is gel electrophoresis. This technique allows for the separation of DNA based on size.

4. **Setting Up Gel Electrophoresis**:
- In gel electrophoresis, a gel matrix (usually agarose or polyacrylamide) is prepared, and wells are created to load the DNA samples.

5. **Loading the DNA Samples**:
- The DNA fragments are loaded into the wells of the gel.

6. **Applying an Electric Current**:
- An electric current is applied across the gel. Since DNA is negatively charged, it will migrate towards the positive electrode.

7. **Separation of DNA Fragments**:
- As the DNA fragments move through the gel, smaller fragments travel faster and farther than larger ones, resulting in separation based on size.

8. **Visualizing the Results**:
- After the electrophoresis run is complete, the gel can be stained (e.g., with ethidium bromide) to visualize the separated DNA fragments under UV light.

**Final Answer**: DNA fragments generated by restriction endonucleases in a chemical reaction can be separated by **gel electrophoresis**.

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