What purpose does a gel tray serve in electrophoresis?

The gel tray is an essential component in the process of electrophoresis, serving primarily to hold the gel while it is being molded. During the preparation of the gel, the tray provides a stable and supportive surface that allows the gel mixture, typically composed of agarose or polyacrylamide, to set into a solid form. This is crucial because a well-formed gel with the right density is necessary for the effective separation of DNA, RNA, or proteins during the electrophoresis process.

Once the gel has solidified in the tray, it can then be carefully placed into the electrophoresis apparatus where an electric current is applied. The gel itself acts as a medium through which the samples can migrate, but the tray's role in holding the gel during initial preparation is vital for ensuring that the gel maintains its integrity and proper dimensions for the separation process to occur effectively.