In serum protein electrophoresis, when a buffer solution of pH 8.6 is used, which of the following characterizes the proteins?

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Multiple Choice

In serum protein electrophoresis, when a buffer solution of pH 8.6 is used, which of the following characterizes the proteins?

Explanation:
The key idea is how a protein’s charge depends on pH relative to its isoelectric point. At pH 8.6, most serum proteins are above their pI, so they lose protons and carry a net negative charge. That negative charge is what electrophoresis separates by, and it explains why the proteins are characterized as having a net negative charge at this pH. In this setting, moving toward the cathode would require a net positive charge, which isn’t the case here, while neutral charge would occur near the protein’s isoelectric point.

The key idea is how a protein’s charge depends on pH relative to its isoelectric point. At pH 8.6, most serum proteins are above their pI, so they lose protons and carry a net negative charge. That negative charge is what electrophoresis separates by, and it explains why the proteins are characterized as having a net negative charge at this pH. In this setting, moving toward the cathode would require a net positive charge, which isn’t the case here, while neutral charge would occur near the protein’s isoelectric point.

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