Difference Between Horizontal & Vertical Gel Electrophoresis Systems!

Labs use electrophoresis to examine medicines, vaccinations, forensics, DNA profiling, or other life science applications. The method is also employed in fields like food science and mining with the help of electrophoresis accessories. In gel electrophoresis, proteins or nucleic acids move across a porous gel matrix. Proteins and nucleic acids both have a net-negative electrical charge, which is used to help the target molecule move more easily across the medium. Proteins and nucleic acids can be separated using gel electrophoresis according to their size.

Horizontal Gel Electrophoresis

During horizontal gel electrophoresis, a horizontally cast gel is immersed in a running buffer inside the gel box. The ionic running buffer creates a charge gradient when a current is delivered. A layer of agarose gel divides the two chambers in the gel box. A cathode is situated at one end, and an anode at the other. The gel, which warms up as a charge is applied, is cooled by the buffer. The running buffer is frequently recirculated to prevent the formation of a pH gradient.

A horizontal system is the best option for most DNA and RNA applications due to its simplicity. It is impossible to use flat systems with a discontinuous buffer system because the two compartments of a horizontal gel system are connected through the running buffer. Additionally, acrylamide cannot be used for flat systems because gels are cast in a tray exposed to outdoor oxygen. The polymerization of acrylamide is prevented by oxygen, which prevents the gel from forming.

To conduct these experiments, if you are looking for the best electrophoresis accessories, Jade Scientific, Inc is the one-stop solution.

Vertical Gel Electrophoresis

The horizontal gel approach is more straightforward than the vertical gel method. A thin gel is placed between two glass plates and mounted so that the top and bottom of the gel are immersed in a buffer in two separate chambers. When a current is applied, a small quantity of buffer migrates through the gel from the top chamber to the bottom section. A vertical system uses a discontinuous buffer system, where the anode is in the bottom room, and the cathode is in the top chamber.

Because the gel is the only place where the buffer may flow, unlike horizontal systems, separation voltage gradients can be precisely controlled. Compared to flat systems, this technology can produce more separation and resolution due to the acrylamide gel's smaller pore size. 

Best Method for You!

In general, horizontal gel electrophoresis is the best method for separating DNA and RNA, whereas vertical systems are best for separating proteins with the help of electrophoresis accessories.

Horizontal systems are well-liked for separating nucleic acids due to their easy use and accessibility of the gel throughout the separation process.

Researchers will use the higher resolution of a vertical system for separating comparable nucleic acids. Which electrophoresis system is ideal for your application will depend on the type of molecule being detached and the desired gel resolution.