Definition

1. Noun:
   • A scientific technique: Electrophoresis is the movement of charged particles, such as molecules or microscopic particles, through a fluid or gel under the influence of an applied electric field. Positively charged particles (cations) migrate toward the negative electrode (cathode), and negatively charged particles (anions) migrate toward the positive electrode (anode).

Usage

Electrophoresis is a fundamental technique used primarily in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology for separating and analyzing molecules based on their size, charge, or a combination of both. It is a standard laboratory procedure.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Gel electrophoresis is commonly used to separate DNA fragments by size.
  • The purity of the protein sample was confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
  • In the lab, we used electrophoresis to analyze the serum proteins.

Advanced Usage

• "to run an electrophoresis": to perform the electrophoresis procedure.

  • The researcher will run an electrophoresis on the samples to check for contamination.

• "electrophoretic mobility": the rate of migration of a particle in electrophoresis, which depends on its charge and size.

  • The electrophoretic mobility of the protein was calculated from the gel results.

Variants and Related Words

• Electrophoretic (adj): relating to or involving electrophoresis.

  • The electrophoretic pattern showed two distinct bands.

• Electrophorese (verb, less common): to subject (a substance) to electrophoresis.

  • The samples were electrophoresed on an agarose gel.

Synonyms

• Cataphoresis: Specifically refers to the electrophoresis of positively charged particles (cations) toward a cathode.
• Ionophoresis: A general term for the movement of ions under an electric field, often used in medical contexts (e.g., delivering medication through the skin).

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Gel electrophoresis: A type of electrophoresis where the separation occurs through a porous gel matrix (e.g., agarose or polyacrylamide).
• Capillary electrophoresis: A high-performance technique where separation occurs inside a very thin capillary tube.
• Zone electrophoresis: Electrophoresis where separation occurs in a stabilizing medium that prevents convection, resulting in discrete zones of particles.

Noun

1. the motion of charged particles in a colloid under the influence of an electric field; particles with a positive charge go to the cathode and negative to the anode