Abstract: An apparatus for rehydrating and for performing electrophoresis on a gel strip includes a tray defining a plurality of parallel troughs configured to receive gel strips. Each trough defines a centrally located rehydration area and an electrode area disposed either side of the electrode area. End walls delimit the rehydration area of the trough from the electrode area. Electrode means including contact points adapted to contact either the gel strip in the electrode areas near the first and second end of the gel or a conducting or current carrying electrode bridge material which is in contact with the gel strip in the electrode areas. The electrode means are adapted to be connected to a means for supplying an electric current for imposing an electric potential in the strip between the electrodes.