Protein Purification and Chromatography Techniques

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to protein purification and chromatography techniques discussed in laboratory exercises.

Protein Purification

The process of isolating specific proteins from a complex mixture.

SDS-PAGE

A method used to separate proteins based on their size using a polyacrylamide gel.

Western Blot

A procedure used to detect specific proteins in a sample using antibodies.

E. coli

A type of bacteria often used in labs for protein expression.

IPTG

A chemical compound used to induce protein expression in E. coli.

Affinity Chromatography

A technique that separates proteins based on their specific binding interactions.

Cell Lysis

The process of breaking down the cell membrane to release cell contents.

Lysozyme

An enzyme that can break down bacterial cell walls, aiding in lysis.

Centrifugation

A technique used to separate particles suspended in a liquid based on density.

Supernatant

The liquid that remains after centrifugation, containing soluble components.

Size-Exclusion Chromatography

Separates proteins based on size; larger proteins elute first.

Ion-Exchange Chromatography

Separates proteins based on their net charge.

Ligand

A molecule that binds specifically to another, such as a protein.

Elute

The process of washing out a substance that is bound in a chromatography column.

Resin

The stationary phase used in column chromatography.

Mobile Phase

The solvent used to carry substances through a column during chromatography.

Column Chromatography

A method for separating compounds based on their interactions with the stationary and mobile phases.

Chromatography

A laboratory technique for the separation of a mixture.

Affinity Resin

Material that contains specific ligands for binding target proteins.

Detergent

A substance that can disrupt membranes, aiding in cell lysis.

Cytoplasm

The fluid portion of the cell where organelles are suspended.

Plasmid

A small DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from chromosomal DNA.

Histidine Tag

A sequence of histidine residues used to purify proteins by affinity chromatography.

Protein Expression

The process by which proteins are synthesized within cells.

Gel Filtration

Another term for size-exclusion chromatography.

Agarose Bead

A common material used in affinity chromatography for binding ligands.

Mitochondria

Organelles that generate most of the cell's supply of ATP.