Questions and Answers
What is the primary technique used to determine the amino acid sequence of a protein before 1985?
What does Edman degradation rely on for amino acid identification?
What is the advantage of using recombinant DNA techniques over Edman degradation for sequencing proteins?
Which of the following steps is NOT involved in the Edman degradation process?
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What is required to initiate the Edman degradation process?
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In the context of mass spectrometry, what role does the organic acid play?
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What has contributed to the rapid expansion of genome sequence databases?
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How does the Edman degradation affect the polypeptide after each cycle?
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What is the primary purpose of isoelectric focusing (IEF)?
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How do proteins migrate during isoelectric focusing?
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In two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, what is the second dimension based on?
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What advantage does two-dimensional gel electrophoresis have in studying cellular proteins?
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What does liquid chromatography separate molecules based on?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the proteins during the SDS PAGE step?
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What is the role of the isoelectric point (pI) in protein separation techniques?
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Why is isoelectric focusing effective for resolving proteins that differ by only one charge unit?
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What is the primary function of rate-zonal centrifugation?
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What can influence the sedimentation rate in rate-zonal centrifugation?
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In rate-zonal centrifugation, what happens if the centrifuge is operated for too long?
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Which technique is mostly used for separating DNA or organelles?
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What is the main principle behind electrophoresis?
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How does the charge of a molecule affect its speed during electrophoresis?
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What is one common use of electrophoresis?
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What factor is not relevant in determining how molecules migrate in electrophoresis?
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What is the major site of DNA synthesis as identified by autoradiographic studies using [3H]thymidine?
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After prolonged incubation with [3H]thymidine, where does most of the radioactivity remain?
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What does the localization of autoradiographic grains over the cytoplasm indicate about RNA?
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How long are the tracks created by the β particles emitted by tritium in autoradiographic studies?
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What is the approximate accuracy of locating 3H-labeled structures within cells?
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What factor significantly affects the localization ability of autoradiography?
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Which of the following statements about the emission of β particles by phosphorus-32 is true?
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In autoradiographic studies using [3H]uridine, where are the grains predominantly located after a long incubation period?
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What is the primary use of x-ray diffraction in protein analysis?
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What challenge is associated with crystallizing large multisubunit proteins?
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How are the x-rays used in diffraction experiments to analyze protein structures?
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What is a key advantage of cryoelectron microscopy compared to x-ray crystallography?
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Which wavelengths are used in x-ray diffraction studies?
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What role do heavy metal modifications play in x-ray crystallography?
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What is the outcome of scattering x-rays in x-ray diffraction experiments?
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What is a critical factor to consider when using electron microscopy for protein analysis?
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Study Notes
Rate-Zonal Centrifugation
- Proteins are separated into bands or disks in a tube based on mass using rate-zonal centrifugation.
- Samples must be centrifuged for optimal time; too short leads to insufficient separation, while too long results in pellet formation.
- Sedimentation rates are influenced by both mass and shape, complicating precise molecular weight determination.
- Rate-zonal centrifugation remains practical for separating varied polymers and particles.
Equilibrium Density-Gradient Centrifugation
- Primarily used for separating DNA or organelles.
- Employs a density gradient to allow different components to settle at their respective densities.
Electrophoresis Techniques
- Electrophoresis separates molecules in mixtures using an electric field, influenced by their charge:mass ratio.
- Molecules with the same mass and shape migrate at different speeds based on net charge.
- Isoelectric focusing (IEF) resolves proteins by migrating them through a pH gradient until they reach their isoelectric point (pI).
Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis
- Combines IEF with SDS electrophoresis for dual separation based on charge and mass.
- Allows up to 1000 proteins to be resolved simultaneously, aiding in gene expression studies.
Liquid Chromatography
- Separates proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules by their interaction with a solid surface in a liquid medium.
- Critical for autoradiographic studies, identifying synthesis sites of molecules within cells, like DNA in the nucleus and RNA movement to the cytoplasm.
Autoradiography
- Involves using a radiation-sensitive photographic emulsion over labeled cells to visualize radioactive incorporation sites.
- Emission energy of isotopes impacts localization accuracy; e.g., tritium offers better resolution than phosphorus-32.
Edman Degradation
- Classic method for amino acid sequencing; targets the N-terminus of polypeptides for sequential identification.
- Involves labeling, cleavage, and identification, allowing for gradual reduction of the polypeptide chain.
Recombinant DNA Techniques
- Offer faster methods for deducing protein sequences from mRNA or gene sequences than Edman degradation.
- Genome sequencing advancements enhance protein research and understanding of large proteins.
Mass Spectrometry
- Measures mass of proteins and peptides through ionization, acceleration, and detection of molecular ions.
- Essential for establishing three-dimensional structures of proteins via x-ray diffraction patterns.
Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Utilized for proteins that do not crystallize easily; captures low-resolution images of proteins in a frozen state.
- The technique involves rapid freezing and electron microscopy, with computer analysis for three-dimensional structure reconstruction.
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Description
Explore the principles behind rate-zonal centrifugation, a key technique in biochemistry for separating proteins based on their masses. Understanding the balance of centrifugation time is crucial for achieving effective separation. Test your knowledge about this density-gradient method and its applications in protein analysis.