Electrophoresis is a scientific method for separating DNA, RNA, and protein molecules depending on their electric charge and size. Some of the common electrophoresis techniques that are currently used are as follows:
- Gel electrophoresis (for proteins)
- SDS PAGE (used for proteins having molecular masses from 5 kDa to 250 kDa)
- Maxam-Gilbert technique (for separation of polynucleotide fragments of DNA and RNA)
- Immunoelectrophoresis (for antibodies and antigens)
Here, let’s look at the differences between gel electrophoresis and the SDS PAGE technique.
Table of Contents
- Gel Electrophoresis
- SDS PAGE
- Difference between Gel Electrophoresis and SDS PAGE
- Frequently Asked Questions
Gel Electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used for separating charged molecules like RNA, DNA and proteins. This process makes use of a gel that works like a molecular sieve. It employs two types of gels – agarose and polyacrylamide. Usually, an electric field is linked to two ends of the gel in gel electrophoresis. The gel has a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other. The molecules RNA and DNA are negatively charged. They move through the gel pores in the direction of the positively charged end of the gel after being injected from the negative end and exposed to the electric field.
The pace of migration is determined by the size and charge of the molecule. Smaller molecules pass via the gel pores more easily and cover a long distance than bigger ones. In the gel, several bands are seen that depict various sized molecules. Special dyes like ethidium bromide are employed to visualise these bands.
It is used as a preparative procedure in several molecular biology techniques like PCR and blotting.
Also Check:Polymerase Chain Reaction Steps Notes
SDS PAGE
|
SDS PAGE – Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis |
|---|
SDS PAGE is a type of gel electrophoresis used for separating macromolecular proteins of size between 5 kDa and 250 kDa. Proteins, unlike RNA and DNA, are not charged negatively and do not move toward the positive or negative end. As a result, proteins are denatured and are charged negatively prior to electrophoresis. It is accomplished by the use of a detergent known as sodium dodecyl sulphate. This technique uses polyacrylamide gel and the whole separation process is dependent on the properties of this gel.
The proteins are separated depending on the length of the polypeptide chain using the polyacrylamide gel and sodium dodecyl sulphate, which remove the influence of protein structure and charge. Moreover, this gel gives a higher resolution than agarose.
Difference between Gel Electrophoresis and SDS PAGE
|
Gel Electrophoresis |
SDS PAGE |
|---|---|
|
This technique is used for separating charged molecules like RNA, DNA and proteins. |
It is a type of gel electrophoresis used for separating macromolecular proteins of size between 5 kDa and 250 kDa. |
|
It involves both non-denaturing and denaturing techniques. |
It involves denaturing of proteins. |
|
It employs two types of gels namely agarose and polyacrylamide. |
It is solely dependent on the properties of polyacrylamide gel. |
|
In agarose gel, the run configuration is horizontal. |
In polyacrylamide gel, the run configuration is vertical. |
|
Agarose gel electrophoresis results in low resolution. |
SDS PAGE gives a better resolution than agarose. |
|
Ethidium bromide is the commonly used stain. |
Silver or coomassie staining technique is used. |
Explore all the important topics aligned with the updated NEET Biology syllabus, only at BYJU’S. Also check other important Difference Between Topics.
Related Topics:
Recommended Video:
Comments