Separation of proteins by electrophoresis

PROBLEM 16.33 Consider the separation of proteins by electrophoresis in the presence of an H2P04- -HP042 buffer. If you want to increase the rate at which the proteins migrate toward the negative electrode, should you increase or decrease the concentration ratio [HP042-]/[H2P04-] Explain. 

In the separation of proteins by electrophoresis, the sample is submitted to an electrical field, causing the electrically charged proteins to move in the direction of the applied current. If the experiment is carried out in solution (free electrophoresis) and the proteins have different charge densities, they will move with different velocities, allowing their separation. In practice, the process is normally carried out in a gel matrix, instead of in solution, and the gel can act not only as an inert support for the electrophoresis buffer, but also, if desired, as an active material that interacts with the proteins. 

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