Chromatography is a technique used to separate mixtures by differential distribution between a stationary and mobile phase. There are four main types: liquid chromatography uses a liquid mobile phase; gas chromatography uses a gas; thin-layer chromatography uses a thin stationary phase; and paper chromatography uses paper. Chromatography is based on molecules having different solubilities in the phases. It has applications in food analysis, DNA analysis, and separating chemical mixtures.