Hemoglobin A differs from hemoglobin S in having two more anionic groups (both hemoglobins have a molecular weight of approximately 67,000). Which one of the following separation methods is most likely to distinguish between these two hemoglobins?
A) Precipitation with ethanol
B) Gel filtration
C) Ultracentrifugation
D) Electrophoresis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrophoresis is a separation technique based on the differential migration of charged species in an electric field. Since hemoglobin A and S have different charges, they can be separated by electrophoresis. Precipitation with ethanol, gel filtration, and ultracentrifugation do not separate based on charge differences, and thus are less likely to be able to distinguish between hemoglobin A and S.

Hemoglobin a Differs from Hemoglobin S in Having Two More