Backwards electrophoresis electrodes - Can you dig it? (Nov/23/2010 )

I put my gel in the electrophoresis container the wrong way around, so to rectify, I switched the connections around. I was wondering whether that might damage the electrodes? Are they made from two different things or are they both the same material? I think in some applications, the anode is a different material from the cathode, but I don't know about this one.

electrophoresis electrodes are usually platinum wires. switching will cause no harm and is required for some methods (eg: acid pH native page).

some electrotransfer apparati (most notably semidry) use different electrode materials for anodes and cathodes but the occasional reversal should not have a significant negative affect on them.