Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate macromolecules, such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, based on their physical properties, typically size and electrical charge. The process involves applying an electric field across a porous gel matrix. Since the biological molecules generally carry a negative charge, they migrate through the gel toward the positive electrode. Smaller molecules encounter less resistance and therefore migrate faster and further than larger molecules, resulting in a pattern of separated bands within the gel. This method allows for the analysis of complex mixtures by visualizing the varying migration rates of components, enabling further analysis and characterization of the separated materials.