Laboratory Techniques in Protein Analysis

30 flashcards covering key vocabulary and terms related to laboratory techniques in protein analysis, specifically focusing on SDS-PAGE and related assays.

SDS-PAGE

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; a method to separate proteins based on size.

Protein Purification

The process of isolating a specific protein from a complex mixture.

Bradford Assay

A colorimetric protein assay that uses Coomassie Brilliant Blue dye to measure protein concentration.

BCA Assay

Bicinchoninic acid assay used for protein quantification based on color change.

UV Absorbance

Measurement of protein concentration by analyzing absorbance at 280 nm.

Mercaptoethanol

A reducing agent used in protein denaturation.

Polyacrylamide Gel

A gel used in electrophoresis for the separation of proteins.

Coomassie Brilliant Blue

A dye used in staining proteins for visualization after electrophoresis.

Denaturation

The process of altering protein structure, often done using SDS and mercaptoethanol.

Electrophoresis

A technique to separate charged molecules in a gel under an electric field.

Protein Size

Proteins are separated during SDS-PAGE primarily by their molecular weight.

Negative Charge

SDS imparts a negative charge to proteins, allowing them to migrate toward the positive electrode.

Calibration Curve

A graph used to determine the concentration of unknown samples through known standards.

Standard Curve

A plot of known concentrations used to quantify unknown protein concentrations.

Destaining

The process of removing excess dye from a gel to visualize proteins.

Transfer Protocol

The procedure for transferring proteins from gel to a membrane in western blotting.

Filter Papers

Used in the transfer process to facilitate protein transfer from the gel to the membrane.

Antigen-Antibody Interaction

The principle behind western blotting where antibodies bind to specific proteins.

Protein Characterization

Methods used to analyze and characterize proteins, including size and concentration.

Attractive Forces

Forces that can affect protein separation during electrophoresis.

SDS Binding

SDS binds to proteins stoichiometrically, giving them a consistent charge-to-mass ratio.

Application of Current

The process applied during SDS-PAGE to drive protein movement through the gel.

Staining Procedure

Steps taken to visualize proteins in gels after electrophoresis with a dye.

Size Exclusion

The process through which larger molecules move more slowly through the polyacrylamide gel.

Protein Sample Preparation

The initial steps taken to prepare protein samples for SDS-PAGE.

Powder Supply

Equipment required to power the electrophoresis process.

Buffers

Solutions used to maintain pH and conduct current during electrophoresis.

SDS Concentration

The amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate used impacts protein denaturation and separation.

Protein Expression

The process by which proteins are synthesized in cells.

Bioinformatics

The use of computational tools to analyze biological data, including proteins.

Distillation

Not directly related to SDS-PAGE, but a common laboratory method for purification.

Academic Research

Systematic investigation into a subject to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Laboratory Techniques

Various procedures and methods used in a lab for scientific discovery.

Statistical Analysis

Use of mathematical methods to interpret data from experiments.