Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Definition

A technique used to separate proteins and nucleic acids based on size and charge. Samples are loaded onto a gel matrix composed of polyacrylamide, which acts as a sieve. When an electric current is applied, charged molecules migrate through the gel. Smaller molecules move faster than larger ones.

Etymology

From Greek 'poly-', meaning 'many', 'acrylamide' from acrylamide, the polymer used to form the gel matrix, and 'electrophoresis', from Greek 'elektron', meaning 'amber', and 'phoresis', meaning 'carrying'.

Example

SDS-PAGE is a common type of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis used to separate proteins based on size.

Synonyms

• Gel Electrophoresis

Related Terms

• Protein separation
• Nucleic acid separation
• SDS-PAGE
• Gel matrix

Usage Notes

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is a widely used technique in molecular biology and biochemistry.