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Multiple Choice

Which of the following decreases the rate of migration in hemoglobin electrophoresis?

Migration rate in hemoglobin electrophoresis hinges on the balance between the electric driving force on the molecule and the frictional resistance of the medium, which are shaped by net charge, ionic environment, and viscosity. Increasing ionic strength shields charged groups, reducing the effective charge of the hemoglobin and its response to the electric field, so movement slows. Lowering the buffer pH makes the environment more acidic, which can diminish the molecule’s net charge or bring it closer to its isoelectric point, further reducing mobility. Increasing viscosity directly raises resistance to flow, noticeably slowing migration. Together, these factors substantially reduce how fast hemoglobin travels in the gel or buffer, making this combination the one that decreases the migration rate. Higher voltage or temperature would generally increase migration rate by boosting the driving force and reducing viscosity, and higher pH with lower salt would typically enhance mobility rather than hinder it.

Migration rate in hemoglobin electrophoresis hinges on the balance between the electric driving force on the molecule and the frictional resistance of the medium, which are shaped by net charge, ionic environment, and viscosity. Increasing ionic strength shields charged groups, reducing the effective charge of the hemoglobin and its response to the electric field, so movement slows. Lowering the buffer pH makes the environment more acidic, which can diminish the molecule’s net charge or bring it closer to its isoelectric point, further reducing mobility. Increasing viscosity directly raises resistance to flow, noticeably slowing migration. Together, these factors substantially reduce how fast hemoglobin travels in the gel or buffer, making this combination the one that decreases the migration rate. Higher voltage or temperature would generally increase migration rate by boosting the driving force and reducing viscosity, and higher pH with lower salt would typically enhance mobility rather than hinder it.