Gel electrophoresis of proteins

Abstract At one time or another during the course of protein analysis or purification, researchers are likely to make use of gel electrophoresis. All laboratories working with proteins have some capability for carrying out gel electrophoresis and all researchers have at least rudimentary knowledge of the technique. Gel electrophoresis can provide information about the molecular weights and charges of proteins, the subunit structures of proteins, and the purity of a particular protein preparation. It is relatively simple to use and it is highly reproducible. The most common use of gel electrophoresis is the qualitative analysis of complex mixtures of proteins. Microanalytical methods and sensitive, linear image analysis systems make gel electrophoresis popular for quantitative and preparative purposes as well.