During gel electrophoresis, nucleic acids will move toward the positive electrode due to the negative charge on phosphate. When using DNA helicase to cut DNA, each molecule will be cut at a different place on the complementary strands, leaving broken DNA that can be used to create recombinant DNA. What is the reason for the movement of nucleic acids during gel electrophoresis?
1) The positive charge on the electrode attracts the nucleic acids
2) The negative charge on the phosphate repels the nucleic acids
3) The gel matrix provides a pathway for the nucleic acids to move
4) The DNA helicase enzyme facilitates the movement of nucleic acids
