Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The DNA fragments extracted from gel electrophoresis can be used in construction of recombinant DNA.
Statement II: Smaller size DNA fragments are observed near anode while larger fragments are found near the wells in an agarose gel.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is Both statement I and statement II are correct 

Concept:

• Gel Electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electric field to a gel matrix.
• The well-known principles of gel electrophoresis include the movement of negatively charged DNA fragments towards the positive electrode (anode) and the smaller DNA fragments migrate faster than larger ones.
• The agarose gel is loaded with DNA samples in wells, and an electric field is applied, with the wells placed near the cathode (negative side) and the anode (positive side) at the opposite end.
• DNA fragments are negatively charged due to their phosphate backbone and move towards the positive end (anode) when the electric field is applied.
• Smaller DNA fragments move faster and further through the gel matrix and hence are observed closer to the anode.
• Larger DNA fragments move more slowly and therefore do not travel as far; they are found near the wells where they were initially loaded

Explanation:

• Statement I: The DNA fragments extracted from gel electrophoresis can be used in construction of recombinant DNA: This statement is correct. DNA fragments separated by gel electrophoresis can be extracted and purified for use in creating recombinant DNA, as they provide the necessary fragments for ligation into vectors.
• Statement II: Smaller size DNA fragments are observed near anode while larger fragments are found near the wells in an agarose gel: This statement is correct. In gel electrophoresis, smaller DNA fragments migrate further away from the wells towards the anode, whereas larger fragments travel a shorter distance and thus remain closer to the wells. DNA fragments are negatively charged molecules they can be separated by forcing them to move towards the anode under an electric field through a medium/matrix.