Which advantage does native gel electrophoresis provide as a protein technique?

• A. Allows separation of all native proteins as they migrate through the gel.
• B. Allows separation of all native protein subunits based on their size (large proteins travel slower).
• C. Native proteins always migrate through the electric field towards the positive end.
• D. Separates charged proteins while allowing them to retain their native conformation.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of native gel electrophoresis: Native gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate proteins based on their charge and size while maintaining their native conformation. This means that the proteins are not denatured and retain their functional form during the process.
2. Recognize the importance of native conformation: In native gel electrophoresis, proteins are separated without denaturing them, which is crucial for studying their functional properties and interactions in their natural state.
3. Identify the role of charge in separation: Proteins have different charges based on their amino acid composition and pH of the environment. Native gel electrophoresis utilizes these charge differences to separate proteins as they migrate through the gel under an electric field.
4. Consider the limitations regarding size: While size can influence the migration speed of proteins, native gel electrophoresis primarily focuses on charge for separation. Larger proteins may travel slower, but the technique does not specifically separate subunits based on size alone.
5. Conclude with the main advantage: The key advantage of native gel electrophoresis is its ability to separate charged proteins while preserving their native conformation, allowing for the study of proteins in their functional form.