One-dimensional SDS gel electrophoresis of proteins.

One-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins provides information about the molecular size, amount, and purity of a protein sample. Separated proteins can be recovered from polyacrylamide gels for subsequent characterization by a variety of secondary techniques, such as mass spectrometry to determine post-translational modifications and the amino acid sequence. In addition, one-dimensional electrophoresis is the standard first step in immunoblotting and immunodetection. Protein separations in vertical slab gels are performed in a variety of formats. Most recently, small format minigels are typical due to their ease of use, low relative cost, and ready commercial availability. Larger gels provide more separation area and thus better resolution for complex samples and continue to be in use for specialized analysis.