What is the function of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in SDS-PAGE? stabilizes the gel matrix, improving resolution during electrophoresis SDS solubilizes proteins to give them uniformly negative charges, so the separation is based purely on size. SDS raises the pH of the gel, separating multiunit proteins into individual subunits. SDS solubilizes proteins to give them uniformly positive charges, so separation is based purely on pH.

Biochemistry
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ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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What is the function of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in SDS-PAGE? stabilizes the gel matrix, improving resolution during electrophoresis SDS solubilizes proteins to give them uniformly negative charges, so the separation is based purely on size. SDS raises the pH of the gel, separating multiunit proteins into individual subunits. SDS solubilizes proteins to give them uniformly positive charges, so separation is based purely on pH.
Expert Solution
Introduction

Electrophoresis means migration of charged particles under the influence of an electric field.

Biomolecules such as protein and DNA possess ionisable groups that are electrically charged at neutral pH and under the influence of an applied electrical field migrate either towards the anode or cathode depending on the nature of their electrical charge.

If the charge is positive, they migrate towards the cathode (the cathode is a negatively charged electrode) and if the charge is negative they migrate towards the anode (the anode is a positively charged electrode).  

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