What is the advantage of adding SDS to gel electrophoresis?
A) SDS colors the proteins for visualization.
B) SDS reduces disulfide bonds.
C) SDS allows proteins to be separated on the basis of approximate mass.
D) None of the above.
E) All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adding SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) to gel electrophoresis allows proteins to be separated on the basis of approximate mass. SDS is a strong anionic detergent that coats proteins and gives all of them a negative charge, and it also disrupts disulfide bonds. This means that when the protein mixture is loaded onto the gel and subjected to an electrical current, the proteins will migrate through the gel matrix according to their size or molecular weight, with smaller proteins moving faster and farther than larger proteins. SDS-PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) is therefore a powerful tool for analyzing and characterizing proteins based on their size. However, SDS does not color the proteins for visualization.

What Is the Advantage of Adding SDS to Gel Electrophoresis