Quiz 4: Isolation and Characterization of Bovine Milklactalbumin

In this problem, we are asked what properties influence the movement of biomolecules through the gel matrix in electrophoresis. The gels used in the various types of electrophoresis present two barriers to movement - the size of their particles versus the size of the biomolecules being separated, and charge-to-mass ratio of the biomolecule. Larger molecules more through the gel slower, and more charged materials move through the gel better based on their interaction with the supplied voltage. Thus, size and charge are the two main ways in which a gel separates biomolecules.

In this problem, we are asked to draw a slab gel for four proteins: 1) Lysozyme 2) Chymotrypsin 3) Egg white albumin 4) Serum albumin A slab gel will separate proteins based on their molecular weights - the heavier proteins will travel slower and thus less distance. A quick perusal of these proteins shows that lyzosyme is the heaviest, followed by chymotrypsin, then egg white albumin, and finally serum albumin. Thus, the slab gel will appear approximately as follows:

In this problem, we are asked to draw a slab gel for four proteins: 1) Myoglobin 2) Hemoglobin B 3) Hemoglobin A A slab gel will separate proteins based on their molecular weights - the heavier proteins will travel slower and thus less distance. A quick perusal of these proteins shows that myoglobin is the heaviest, followed by hemoglobin B and then hemoglobin A. Thus, the slab gel will appear approximately as follows: