What is protein gel electrophoresis?

Protein gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate proteins based on their size and charge. It involves applying an electric field to a gel matrix containing the proteins, causing them to migrate through the gel at different rates. Smaller proteins move faster than larger ones, and proteins with a higher charge density move faster than those with a lower charge density. It is commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology to analyze protein mixtures, determine protein purity, and estimate protein molecular weights.