Final answer:
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is the technique used to separate cellular proteins for analysis. It involves separating proteins based on their isoelectric points and molecular weights using a gel matrix and an electric field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique used to separate cellular proteins for analysis is Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. This technique involves subjecting protein samples to isoelectric focusing (IEF) and then to sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). IEF separates proteins based on their isoelectric points (pl), while SDS-PAGE separates them based on their molecular weights (Mr).
During the process, the protein samples are loaded onto a gel and an electric field is applied. The proteins migrate in the gel matrix, with proteins of higher pl moving towards the anode and proteins of lower pl moving towards the cathode. This separates the proteins according to their charge. Then, the gel is rotated 90 degrees and placed on top of another gel for SDS-PAGE. The proteins are separated further based on their molecular weights as they migrate through the gel.
The resulting gel pattern can be analyzed using staining techniques like silver stain or Coomassie Brilliant Blue to identify and quantify the proteins.