What viscous buffer is used to track DNA or proteins during electrophoresis?

The use of a loading dye in electrophoresis serves as a crucial element during the process of tracking DNA or proteins. Loading dyes are viscous solutions that contain a combination of colored compounds, which not only help in visualizing the sample but also make it denser than the buffer, ensuring that the sample sinks into the wells of the gel. This helps in preventing the sample from diffusing into the buffer before the electrophoretic run begins, ensuring better accuracy in tracking the progression of samples through the gel matrix.

Additionally, the colored components in the loading dye allow researchers to monitor the migration of DNA or proteins during electrophoresis visually. This tracking aids in estimating the approximate size of the DNA fragments or the bands of proteins by comparing them to standard markers. Thus, the use of a loading dye is essential for effective separation and visualization of the biomolecules during electrophoresis.