Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) is a technique used to separate proteins or nucleic acids based on their size and charge. It involves the migration of molecules through a polyacrylamide gel matrix under the influence of an electric field.
PAGE can be used to separate both DNA and proteins, but different buffer systems are employed for each.
The resolving power of PAGE is higher than that of agarose gel electrophoresis, making it suitable for small fragments or proteins.
SDS-PAGE, a variant of PAGE, uses sodium dodecyl sulfate to denature proteins and provide them with a uniform negative charge.
Visualization of separated molecules in PAGE can be done using various staining techniques like Coomassie Brilliant Blue for proteins or ethidium bromide for nucleic acids.
Native PAGE maintains the protein's native structure and function during separation, unlike SDS-PAGE which denatures them.
Related terms
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: A method used to separate larger DNA fragments using an agarose gel matrix.
A technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins after they have been separated by SDS-PAGE.
Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA): A technique used to study protein-DNA interactions by observing shifts in migration through a polyacrylamide gel.