On what basis are proteins separated in electrophoresis?
Protein electrophoresis is when proteins in a mixture are separated under the influence of an electric field. In the nondenaturing state (native gel) proteins are separated by their charge to mass ratio, shape, and size. While in the denatured state (SDS PAGE) proteins are unfolded by the detergent SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate). Then SDS binds to the denatured polypeptides and evenly distribute the charges according to their mass. Therefore in SDS-PAGE, separation of protein is based on their size.
SDS PAGE figure--
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