Question

Why is an alteration of electrophoretic mobility interpreted as a change in the primary structure of the protein under study?

Short answer

Answer: An alteration in electrophoretic mobility is interpreted as a change in the primary structure of a protein because it indicates a potential change in the protein's size, shape, and/or charge, which are determined by its amino acid sequence. These changes can impact the protein's function, interactions with other molecules, and overall stability. By studying shifts in electrophoretic mobility, researchers can identify and characterize potential functional alterations within a protein as a result of changes in its primary structure.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a technique used to separate charged molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, based on their size and charge. It involves applying an electric field across a gel matrix, causing the molecules to migrate through the matrix at different rates depending on their individual properties.

Protein Structure

Proteins are made up of a sequence of amino acids, with each amino acid having a unique side chain. The primary structure of a protein refers to the linear sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain. This sequence determines the overall shape and function of a protein.

Role of primary structure in electrophoretic mobility

The electrophoretic mobility of a protein is determined by its size, shape, and charge. The primary structure affects all three of these characteristics. The size and shape of a protein are determined by the amino acid sequence, which dictates the length of the polypeptide chain and how it folds. The charge of a protein is influenced by the relative proportion of charged amino acids in the primary structure. Therefore, a change in the primary structure of a protein will likely result in a change in electrophoretic mobility.

Interpreting changes in electrophoretic mobility

Alteration of electrophoretic mobility is interpreted as a change in the primary structure of the protein because it indicates a potential change in size, shape, and/or charge of the protein. Such changes can impact the protein's function, interactions with other molecules, and overall stability. By studying shifts in electrophoretic mobility, researchers can identify and characterize potential functional alterations within a protein as a result of changes in its primary structure.