Gel Electrophoresis of DNA fragments produced by apoptosis

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the gel electrophoresis of DNA fragments resulting from apoptosis, specifically highlighting that only a 250 bp fragment is produced, which appears brighter on the gel. Participants express confusion regarding the absence of larger DNA fragments, suggesting that as DNA degrades, smaller fragments become more prevalent. The analogy of chewing peanuts to illustrate the breakdown of DNA further emphasizes the concept of fragmentation during degradation.

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  • Understanding of gel electrophoresis techniques
  • Knowledge of DNA structure and nucleosome spacing
  • Familiarity with apoptosis and its effects on DNA
  • Basic concepts of DNA degradation and fragmentation
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  • Research the principles of gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis
  • Study the mechanisms of apoptosis and its impact on DNA integrity
  • Explore the role of DNase in DNA fragmentation
  • Learn about the interpretation of gel electrophoresis results in molecular biology
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Researchers in molecular biology, students studying genetics, and laboratory technicians involved in DNA analysis will benefit from this discussion.

i_love_science
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Homework Statement
One mechanism involved in apoptosis is the digestion of DNA by DNAases. DNA gets digested into fragments of lengths equal to multiples of the distance between nucleosomes.

The figure attached shows the results of separation by gel electrophoresis of the DNA released by the action of DNAase.

Suggest how the pattern in the left-hand column would change if very high concentrations of DNAase were applied to the cells.
Relevant Equations
gel electrophoresis
Electrophoresis.png


The answer is that there would only be a 250 bp fragment, and it would be brighter.

I think that there would just more fragments of all sizes, as more DNA is degraded. I don't understand why there wouldn't be fragments of larger sizes. Thanks!
 
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Not knowing anything about DNA digestion, but just applying some logic: if there is a fragment longer than the single distance between nucleosomes, what will DNAase do to it?
 
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...or if you chew your peanuts long and vigorously enough you get a mouthful of peanut butter. Not more chunks of peanuts.
 
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