DISC ELECTROPHORESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Disc electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate proteins or nucleic acids based on their charge-to-mass ratio. It involves the migration of charged molecules through a gel matrix under the influence of an electric field. The gel, usually composed of agarose or polyacrylamide, acts as a molecular sieve, allowing the separation of molecules according to their size and shape.
In disc electrophoresis, a sample containing the mixture of molecules is loaded onto a circular or rectangular gel disc. An electrical current is then applied across the disc, causing the charged molecules in the sample to migrate through the gel. Due to their differing charge-to-mass ratios, the molecules move at different speeds as they encounter resistance from the gel matrix.
As the molecules migrate through the gel, they become separated into distinct bands or spots based on their mobility. The separated molecules can then be visualized using various staining techniques such as Coomassie Brilliant Blue or silver staining. By comparing the position of these bands or spots against known standards, the size and charge of the molecules can be determined.
Disc electrophoresis has applications in various fields, including biochemistry, genetics, and clinical diagnostics. It is widely used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins, identification of genetic mutations, and characterization of biomolecules. The technique allows researchers to study the composition and behavior of molecules within a sample, providing valuable insights into their structure and function.
Common Misspellings for DISC ELECTROPHORESIS
- sisc electrophoresis
- xisc electrophoresis
- cisc electrophoresis
- fisc electrophoresis
- risc electrophoresis
- eisc electrophoresis
- dusc electrophoresis
- djsc electrophoresis
- dksc electrophoresis
- dosc electrophoresis
- d9sc electrophoresis
- d8sc electrophoresis
- diac electrophoresis
- dizc electrophoresis
- dixc electrophoresis
- didc electrophoresis
- diec electrophoresis
- diwc electrophoresis
- disx electrophoresis
- disv electrophoresis
Etymology of DISC ELECTROPHORESIS
The word "electrophoresis" is derived from the Greek words "electron" meaning "amber" (which has properties of static electricity) and "phoros" meaning "to bear or carry". The term was coined by the German anatomist Ferdinand Frederic Reuss in the mid-19th century, referring to the motion of charged particles under the influence of an electric field.
The term "disc" in "disc electrophoresis" refers to the shape of the gel used in this technique. Disc electrophoresis is a type of electrophoresis where a circular gel is used to separate molecules based on their electrical charge and size. The term "disc" is used to differentiate this type of electrophoresis from other techniques such as slab or gel electrophoresis, which use rectangular or elongated gel matrices instead.
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