Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Electrophoresis through a matrix composed of a synthetic polymer, used to separate proteins, small DNA, or RNA molecules of up to 1000 nucleotides. Used in DNA sequencing. (See Electrophoresis.)

(Abbreviation: PAGE). Ubiquitous method for separating nucleic acids and proteins on the basis of their molecular size. The method relies on the migration through an inert matrix (polyacrylamide gel ) of electrically charged molecules as a result of the imposition of an electric field.