BGM1002/L09 Gel Electrophoresis Flashcards
Define gel electrophoresis.
Movement of dispersed particles relative to a fluid under the influence of a spatially uniform electric field
What does pore size depend on in gel electrophoresis?
Concentration of gelling agent
What is agarose?
Linear polymer extracted from red seaweed
What is acrylamide?
Organic compound with ultimate functional groups
Why does the liquid phase need to be buffered in gel electrophoresis?
To prevent current-induced pH changes and to minimise heating
Name 3 factors that affect gel electrophoresis.
Net charge of molecule
Size of molecule
Electric field strength
Properties of gel
Properties of running buffer
Temperature
What is PAGE?
Polyacrydamide gel electrophoresis
What is SDS-PAGE?
Gel electrophoresis based on protein size in which protein is denatured with heat/SDS
What biological molecule can be ran on PAGE gels?
DNA
What can PAGE gels do?
Oxidise and produce non-native disulfide bonds
What is SDS-PAGE 2?
Discontinuous gel electrophoresis made of 2 gels - stacking and resolving gels
Give 3 properties of stacking gels.
pH 6.5
Focuses proteins before they’re separated
Low % acrylamide
Give 3 properties of resolving gels.
Separates proteins
Higher % acrylamide
Changing affects resolution
Name the 3 buffer components in SDS-PAGE 2.
Glycine/chloride counter ions
SDS - to ensure protein denatures
Tris buffer - pH 8.3
What are gradient gels?
Gels in which acrylamide concentration increases down the gel