Which band is slowest to migrate in standard serum protein electrophoresis?

Which band is slowest to migrate in standard serum protein electrophoresis?

• A. Gamma globulins
• B. Albumin
• C. Beta globulins
• D. Alpha-1 globulins

Answer: (A)

In serum protein electrophoresis, how fast a protein moves depends mainly on its size and charge in the buffer. Albumin is small and carries a strong net negative charge, so it travels toward the anode quickly and appears as the prominent, far-left peak. The alpha and beta globulins are intermediate in size and charge, so their bands settle in the middle regions. Gamma globulins, on the other hand, are large immunoglobulins (like IgG and related antibodies). Their large size slows their movement through the gel, causing them to migrate the least and form the farthest band from the albumin peak.

In serum protein electrophoresis, how fast a protein moves depends mainly on its size and charge in the buffer. Albumin is small and carries a strong net negative charge, so it travels toward the anode quickly and appears as the prominent, far-left peak. The alpha and beta globulins are intermediate in size and charge, so their bands settle in the middle regions. Gamma globulins, on the other hand, are large immunoglobulins (like IgG and related antibodies). Their large size slows their movement through the gel, causing them to migrate the least and form the farthest band from the albumin peak.