What is the purpose of using SDS-PAGE in protein analysis?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the purpose of using SDS-PAGE in protein analysis?
To determine protein concentration
To separate proteins based on size
To identify protein sequences
To purify proteins
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the purpose of using SDS-PAGE in protein analysis?
Step 1: Understand that proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids.
Step 2: Know that proteins can vary in size, which means they can be different lengths.
Step 3: Learn that SDS-PAGE is a laboratory technique used to separate proteins.
Step 4: Realize that SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) is a detergent that helps to unfold proteins and gives them a negative charge.
Step 5: Understand that when proteins are placed in a gel and an electric current is applied, they move through the gel.
Step 6: Know that smaller proteins move faster and further through the gel than larger ones.
Step 7: Conclude that by separating proteins based on size, researchers can analyze how pure a protein sample is and determine the molecular weight of the proteins.