Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Definition

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is a method used to separate proteins based on their size and charge through a polyacrylamide gel matrix. This technique is often employed in the analysis of antigen-antibody complexes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PAGE can be used to determine the molecular weight of proteins.
2. The gel matrix in PAGE is composed of polyacrylamide, which provides a uniform pore size for protein separation.
3. SDS-PAGE, a variation of PAGE, uses sodium dodecyl sulfate to denature proteins and give them a uniform negative charge.
4. PAGE is highly effective in resolving complex mixtures of proteins, including antigen-antibody complexes.
5. Visualization of separated proteins typically involves staining methods such as Coomassie Brilliant Blue or silver staining.

Review Questions

• How does polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separate proteins?
• What role does SDS play in SDS-PAGE?
• Why is PAGE useful for analyzing antigen-antibody complexes?

Related terms

Western Blotting: A technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins separated by PAGE.

Isoelectric Focusing: A technique that separates proteins based on their isoelectric point.

ELISA: An assay that uses antibodies and color change to identify a substance.