Electrophoresis is affected by which factors?

• A. Size
• B. Protein
• C. Charge
• D. Size, Protein, and Charge

Answer: (D)

Electrophoresis depends on two main forces: the electric pull on charged molecules and the friction from the gel matrix. The stronger the net charge, the faster a molecule will be pulled toward the opposite electrode. At the same time, larger molecules experience more resistance as they squeeze through the gel pores, so they move more slowly. For proteins, the net charge is also influenced by the pH of the buffer, and their three‑dimensional shape affects how easily they navigate the gel. Putting these together, movement in electrophoresis is governed by size, charge, and the protein nature of the sample, making all three factors relevant.