DNA molecules of different sizes are often separated with the use of a technique called electrophoresis (see Chapter 19). With this technique, DNA molecules are placed in a gel, an electrical current is applied to the gel, and the DNA molecules migrate toward the positive (+) pole of the current. What aspect of its structure causes a DNA molecule to migrate toward the positive pole?

Lactase is essential for digesting lactose in milk. this enzyme is specific for this sugar. why? molecules and active sites vary in size; only properly sized molecules can fit. there is a precise compatibility between the active site and the lactose molecule. specificity refers to the action of the enzyme, such as hydrolysis, and relatively few molecules can be hydrolyzed. reaction-specific enzymes assume a fit by folding around the most numerous substrate molecules.