What technique is specifically used in laboratories for separating charged molecules?

Electrophoresis is the technique specifically designed for separating charged molecules based on their size and charge. In this process, an electric field is applied to a gel or liquid medium containing the molecules, causing them to migrate at different rates depending on their charge and molecular weight. Charged particles move toward the electrode with the opposite charge, allowing for the separation of molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.

For instance, in gel electrophoresis, DNA fragments are loaded into a gel matrix and subjected to an electric field, leading to the separation of fragments according to their length. This technique is commonly employed in labs for various applications including DNA analysis, protein characterization, and forensic science. The ability to separate molecules according to their charge and size makes electrophoresis a fundamental method in many biological and chemical laboratories.