What is the role of an electrophoresis chamber?

The role of an electrophoresis chamber is to transmit an electric current through the gel. In electrophoresis, the gel serves as a medium through which charged molecules, such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, can move when an electric field is applied. The electrophoresis chamber provides the setup necessary for this process by including electrodes that generate the electric current, allowing for the separation of the molecules based on their size and charge.

When the electric current passes through the gel, smaller molecules can navigate through the gel matrix more easily than larger molecules, resulting in their movement at different rates. This separation allows for the analysis and identification of the molecules based on their position within the gel after the process is complete. Thus, the primary function of the electrophoresis chamber is to facilitate this electric current transmission, which is vital for the electrophoresis process to occur effectively.