18 Questions
What is the primary focus of the interpretation of serum protein electrophoresis?
The subsets of proteins and their relative quantity
Which protein component of serum has the largest peak?
Albumin
What is the purpose of using a specific buffer with pH 8.5 in serum protein electrophoresis?
To separate the β fraction into two zones
Which of the following is closest to the negative electrode in a typical serum protein electrophoresis?
Gamma globulin
What is the result of changes in the relative concentration of fractions in serum protein electrophoresis?
Easy recognition of pathological disorders
Which of the following is NOT a subset of globulins in serum protein electrophoresis?
Albumin
What is the main characteristic of the nephrotic pattern in serum electrophoretic patterns?
A decrease in albumin and γ-globulin
What is the effect of the damaged nephron on the serum proteins in nephrotic syndrome?
A loss of albumin and other low molecular weight proteins
Which of the following proteins is increased in the nephrotic pattern?
α2-globulin
What is the role of the densitometer in serum electrophoretic patterns?
To measure light transmittance through a solid sample
How is quantitation performed in serum electrophoretic patterns?
By determining the area of each band as a percent of the total area
What is the function of microprocessors in serum electrophoretic patterns?
To automatically integrate and compute the area under each peak
What is the significance of Arne Tiselius' research?
He researched on electrophoresis and adsorption analysis, especially concerning the complex nature of serum proteins
What is the principle behind electrophoresis?
Separation of molecules based on their charge, shape, and size
What is the application of electrophoresis in biochemistry and molecular biology?
To separate and identify macromolecules based on size, shape, or isoelectric point
What is the purpose of applying an electric field in electrophoresis?
To migrate charged molecules through a gel matrix
What is the advantage of electrophoresis over other separation techniques?
It is highly versatile and can separate molecules based on size, shape, or isoelectric point
What is the significance of serum protein electrophoresis?
It is used to analyze serum proteins, which can aid in diagnosis of various diseases
Study Notes
Serum Protein Electrophoresis
- Serum protein electrophoresis results depend on the fractions of two major types of protein: albumin and globulins.
- Albumin is the major protein component of serum, produced by the liver under normal physiologic conditions.
- Globulins comprise a smaller fraction of the total serum protein content.
Typical Normal Pattern
- Albumin forms the largest peak, closest to the positive electrode.
- The next components (globulins) are labeled alpha1, alpha2, beta, and gamma, with the gamma peak being closest to the negative electrode.
- The use of a specific buffer (pH 8.5) allows separation of the β fraction into two zones: β1 and β2.
Densitometry
- A densitometer is a special type of spectrophotometer used to measure light transmittance through a solid sample (electrophoretic strip).
- The electrophoretic strip is moved through a measuring optical system, and absorbance of each band is measured.
- The area of each fraction is displayed on a strip chart recorder, with each peak representing an individual band on the electrophoretic strip.
- Quantitation is performed by determining the area of each band as a percent of the total area for that scan.
Abnormal Patterns
- Nephrotic syndrome pattern results from loss of serum proteins through damaged nephrons.
- Characterized by a decrease in albumin, α1, and gamma globulins, and an increase in certain large molecular weight proteins (macroglobulin, IgM, lipoproteins).
- α2 globulin band is prominently increased.
Theoretical Principles
- Electrophoresis is a versatile tool used to separate and identify macromolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) based on size, shape, or isoelectric point.
- Separation of molecules by electrophoresis is based on the fact that charged molecules migrate through a gel matrix upon application of an electric field.
Learn about the working principle and operation of a densitometer, a special type of spectrophotometer used to measure light transmittance through solid samples like electrophoretic strips. Understand how it measures absorbance and displays results on a strip chart recorder.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
