Buffer solutions and electrophoresis in seperating amino acids

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SUMMARY

Electrophoresis utilizes electrolytic cells to separate amino acids based on their charge. In this process, positively charged species migrate towards the cathode, while negatively charged species move towards the anode. This fundamental principle is crucial for understanding gel electrophoresis, where an applied voltage facilitates the movement of charged particles through a gel medium. The distinction between electrolytic and electrochemical cells is also highlighted, emphasizing the role of voltage in these processes.

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  • Understanding of gel electrophoresis techniques
  • Knowledge of electrolytic and electrochemical cells
  • Familiarity with amino acid properties and charge
  • Basic principles of voltage application in electrochemistry
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  • Learn about the different types of buffers used in electrophoresis
  • Explore the effects of voltage on migration rates in electrophoretic processes
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Saba
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Homework Statement
Hi, I have posted the question, the answer to the question as well as the data needed for PI. My concern is why do they say anode is a positive terminal here? is anode always the positive terminal and cathode negative terminal in electrophorisis?

Thanks!
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NA
Screenshot 2024-10-25 at 5.17.38 PM.png
 
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From Wikipedia article on Gel Electrophoresis:
"Species that are net positively charged will migrate towards the cathode which is negatively charged (because this is an electrolytic rather than galvanic cell), whereas species that are net negatively charged will migrate towards the positively charged anode."
 
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mjc123 said:
From Wikipedia article on Gel Electrophoresis:
"Species that are net positively charged will migrate towards the cathode which is negatively charged (because this is an electrolytic rather than galvanic cell), whereas species that are net negatively charged will migrate towards the positively charged anode."
ohh so they use electrolytic cells in electropherisis. I didn't know that thank you.
 
Saba said:
ohh so they use electrolytic cells in electropherisis. I didn't know that thank you.
A voltage is applied -> electrolytic
A voltage is supplied -> electrochemical

Roughly speaking.
 

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