What is the primary purpose of using a buffer solution in electrophoresis?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the primary purpose of using a buffer solution in electrophoresis?
To increase the voltage
To maintain pH stability
To enhance sample concentration
To reduce sample size
Buffer solutions are used in electrophoresis to maintain a stable pH, which is crucial for the proper migration of charged species.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: What is the primary purpose of using a buffer solution in electrophoresis?
Solution: Buffer solutions are used in electrophoresis to maintain a stable pH, which is crucial for the proper migration of charged species.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that electrophoresis is a technique used to separate charged particles, like DNA or proteins, based on their size and charge.
Step 2: Recognize that the movement of these charged particles is affected by the pH of the solution they are in.
Step 3: Learn that a buffer solution is a special type of solution that can resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added.
Step 4: Realize that maintaining a stable pH is important because it ensures that the charged particles move correctly during electrophoresis.
Step 5: Conclude that the primary purpose of using a buffer solution in electrophoresis is to keep the pH stable, allowing for proper migration of the charged species.