In: Chemistry
We are able to purify proteins because they differ from each other in various physical or chemical properties. List 3 physicochemical properties of proteins that can be used as basis for their separation. Give a method of separation based on each of these properties and say which property the method is based on.
The physicochemical properties of proteins that can be used as
basis for their separation can be
Molecular weightor molecular size, solubility, volatility,
ionzation (based on charge), boiling point,
hydrophobicity, specific interaction between enzyme and substrate
etc.
Methods of separation based on each of these properties :
1. Gel
filtration separates proteins on the basis of their
respective molecular sizes
It separates larger proteins from smaller ones because only larger
ones can travel fast enough
through the polymer in the chromatography column.
2. Ion-exchange
chromatography , here separation of proteins is
based on charge.
You either have cationic or anionic column which
attract the negative or positive ions
respectively.
3. Reverse
HPLC : Proteins are separated based on their
hydrophobicities which in turn accounts
for their solubility nature using some organic as well as polar
aqueous solvents.
4. Affinity
chromatography This method separates mixtures based
on specific interaction between
enzymes and substrates or receptor and ligand.