How do DNA molecules place themselves in a CsCl equilibrium gradient?
A)They continuously move toward the bottom of the gradient.
B)They stop momentarily at the point in the gradient equaling their buoyant density.
C)They continuously move toward the top of the gradient.
D)They stop permanently at the point in the gradient equaling their buoyant density.
E)All DNA molecules localize at the same point in the gradient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DNA molecules stop permanently at the point in the gradient that equals their buoyant density during centrifugation in a CsCl gradient. This is because each molecule moves until it reaches a position where the density of the gradient matches its own density, and then it no longer experiences a net movement.

How Do DNA Molecules Place Themselves in a CsCl Equilibrium