Chromatography

Question 1

What does chromatography refer to?

Answer 1

a set of techniques which separates the components of a mixture

Question 2

What happens during the mobile phase?

Answer 2

the mixture is dissolved in a fluid

Question 3

When are the components of the mixture separated?

Answer 3

as they are passed through a stationary phase, which varies depending on the type of chromatography being used

Question 4

What is the stationary phase in paper chromatography?

Answer 4

a strip of chromatography paper

Question 5

Describe paper chromatography

Answer 5

a sample of the mixture being separated is placed in a dot or line near the bottom of a strip of chromatography paper which is then placed in a solvent. The solvent moves up through the chromatography paper and carries the components of the mixture with it, which travels at different rates depending on their properties.

Question 6

Describe thin-layer chromatography

Answer 6

For the stationary phase, TLC uses a strip of absorbent material, such as silica gel, on a non-reactive backing. The solvent moves up and carries the components of the mixture with it, which travels at different rates depending on how soluble they are in the solvent and how much they bind to the stationary phase

Question 7

Describe affinity chromatography

Answer 7

A ligand is immobilised on an inert support in a column and a protein mixture is passed through the column. The protein, which is complementary to the Ligand in the column, will bind to it and remain in the column when the other components are washed away. The target protein can then be stripped from the support, resulting in its separation and purification from the original sample