Question

A heterotrimeric protein consists of three subunits with molecular weights of 10 kDa, 40 kDa, and 100 kDa. The protein is denatured with 3 M urea and subjected to size-exclusion chromatography. Which solute is the last compound to elute from the column?

Answer 1

The 10 kDa solute is the last compound to elute from the column.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hi there!

In size-exclusion chromatography, the smaller compounds will penetrate through the pores of the gel packed in the column (because they are smaller than the pore diameter). This slows down the elution of the smaller compounds in comparison with the larger ones. Those compounds that are bigger than the pore diameter of the packed material will not penetrate through the gel and, thus, will be eluted faster than the smaller ones.

Then, the 10 kDa solute is the last compound to elute from the column.