Which type of gel has larger pores, allowing for the separation of larger proteins?

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Agarose gel is specifically designed for the separation of larger biomolecules, including larger proteins and nucleic acids. One of its key features is the size of its pores, which can be adjusted by changing the concentration of agarose in the gel. Generally, agarose gels have larger pores than polyacrylamide gels, making them suitable for separating larger proteins or nucleic acids. Polyacrylamide gels, on the other hand, have smaller pores which are more ideal for resolving smaller proteins or even peptides, allowing for more precise separation based on size.

Silica gel is primarily used for chromatography rather than electrophoresis, and cellulose gel is used in specific applications like paper chromatography or for applications requiring a different matrix. Thus, in the context of separating larger proteins, agarose gel is the correct answer due to its ability to form a matrix with larger pore sizes.

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