DNA electrophoresis is a laboratory technique commonly used to separate and analyze DNA fragments by size. However, there are different methods and synonyms for DNA electrophoresis depending on the specific application. For example, gel electrophoresis, agarose gel electrophoresis, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis all refer to techniques using a gel matrix to separate DNA fragments. Southern blotting and Northern blotting are also synonyms for DNA electrophoresis, but specifically refer to the transfer of the separated fragments onto a membrane for identification. Other variations include pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, a technique used for separating larger DNA fragments, and capillary electrophoresis, which separates DNA fragments based on charge and size using a microchip device.