What is the process called that separates molecules such as proteins or DNA according to size and charge?

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The process that separates molecules such as proteins or DNA according to size and charge is known as electrophoresis. This technique uses an electric field to drive charged molecules through a gel or other medium. Because molecules differ in size and charge, they will move at different rates when subjected to this electric field. Smaller molecules typically migrate faster than larger ones, while the charge plays a determinant role in the direction of movement and speed of the molecules. As a result, electrophoresis is a powerful and widely-used method for analyzing and purifying nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA) and proteins, making it an essential tool in molecular biology and biochemistry.

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