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

Key Concepts

Electrophoretic Mobility

Electrophoretic mobility refers to the rate at which charged particles, such as proteins, move through a gel or solution under the influence of an electric field. This movement is influenced by the size, shape, and charge of the molecules. Changes in electrophoretic mobility can indicate alterations in the protein's structure, as these factors directly affect how the protein interacts with the medium.

Primary Structure of Proteins

The primary structure of a protein is its unique sequence of amino acids, which determines its overall shape and function. Any alteration in this sequence, such as substitutions, deletions, or insertions, can lead to changes in the protein's properties, including its charge and size, which are critical for its behavior during electrophoresis.

Protein Conformation and Function

Protein conformation refers to the three-dimensional shape of a protein, which is crucial for its biological function. Changes in the primary structure can lead to alterations in conformation, affecting how the protein interacts with other molecules. This can result in a change in electrophoretic mobility, as the altered shape may affect how the protein migrates through a gel.