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Dialysis definitions

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  • Dialysis
    A purification step using a semipermeable membrane to remove salts and small molecules from protein solutions, preserving protein activity.
  • Protein Purification
    A multi-step process to isolate proteins from mixtures, often involving removal of contaminants like salts and small molecules.
  • Salting Out
    A method that increases salt concentration to precipitate proteins, often followed by dialysis to remove excess salt.
  • Semipermeable Membrane
    A barrier with pores that selectively allows passage of small molecules and salts while retaining larger proteins.
  • Diffusion
    The movement of molecules from high to low concentration across a membrane, enabling salt removal during dialysis.
  • Dialysis Bag
    A container made of semipermeable membrane used to hold protein solutions during dialysis, allowing selective diffusion.
  • Membrane Pore
    Tiny openings in the dialysis membrane, typically around 24 angstroms, permitting passage of small molecules but not proteins.
  • Salt Concentration
    The amount of salt present in a solution, which can affect protein stability and is reduced during dialysis.
  • Protein Denaturation
    Loss of protein structure and activity due to environmental factors like high salt concentration.
  • Small Molecule
    Substances with low molecular weight, such as salts, that can diffuse through the dialysis membrane pores.
  • Protein Solution
    A mixture containing proteins and other dissolved substances, often requiring purification steps like dialysis.
  • Angstrom
    A unit of length used to describe pore and protein sizes, with membrane pores around 24 angstroms and proteins about 160 angstroms.
  • Solvent
    The liquid surrounding the dialysis bag, typically with low salt concentration, facilitating diffusion of salts out of the bag.
  • Target Protein
    The specific protein of interest being purified, which must be protected from denaturation during purification steps.
  • Protein Activity
    The functional state of a protein, which can be compromised by high salt concentrations and is preserved by dialysis.