Electrophoresis is a sensitive analytical form of chromatography that allows the separation of charged molecules in a solution medium under the influence of an electric field.

The degree of separation and rate of molecular migration of mixtures of molecules depends upon the size and shape of the molecules, the respective molecular charges, the strength of the electric field, the type of medium used (e.g., cellulose acetate, starch gels, paper, agarose, polyacrylamide gel, etc.) and the conditions of the medium (e.g., electrolyte concentration, pH, ionic strength, viscosity, temperature, etc.)

Some mediums (also known as support matrices) are porous gels that can also act as a physical sieve for macromolecules.

A wide range of molecules may be separated by electrophoresis, including, but not limited to DNA, RNA, and protein molecules.

In general, the medium is mixed with buffers needed to carry the electric charge applied to the system...