Biochemistry 3380G Lecture Notes - Sonication, Peptide, Elution
Document Summary
Proteins are purified/isolated from their environment by using their unique properties to differentiate them from everything else. These include the protein"s: size and shape, charge, location, and surface hydrophobicity. An assay method is needed prior to the purification process. One must be able to detect the protein in a mixture as well as measure some property of the protein of interest. A starting material (human tissues, plants, or bacteria must also be decided upon. Throughout the process, the protein will have to be isolated (preparative method) and its purity determined (analytical). Homogenization (the break-up of material) as well a good quantity of proteins (much is needed) will be key steps of the process. Both of these methods are used to purify proteins, starting with the preparative method, followed by the analytical methods. The first step of protein purification uses different forms of homogenization in order to break open tissue or cell in order to release protein.