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Multiple Choice

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

In electrophoresis, how fast a molecule moves depends on its charge-to-size characteristics and the electric field driving the motion. The velocity is proportional to the electrophoretic mobility times the applied field. So making the molecule more charged, smaller in size, or applying a stronger field will push it to migrate faster, while factors that increase drag or shield the charge slow it down. A higher net charge increases the force exerted by the field, and a smaller molecule experiences less friction as it travels through the gel matrix. Increasing the applied voltage strengthens the driving force, speeding migration. A moderate rise in temperature can lower the viscosity of the buffer, helping movement without pushing the system into conditions that could denature proteins; too much heat, however, may disrupt the separation. Conversely, increasing ionic strength can shield charges and raise conductivity in a way that reduces effective driving force, and higher viscosity directly increases resistance to movement, both slowing migration. Lower pH or lower temperature generally reduces mobility, and longer molecules face more drag, moving more slowly. Therefore the combination of higher charge, smaller size, increased voltage, and a moderate temperature rise most effectively increases migration rate.

In electrophoresis, how fast a molecule moves depends on its charge-to-size characteristics and the electric field driving the motion. The velocity is proportional to the electrophoretic mobility times the applied field. So making the molecule more charged, smaller in size, or applying a stronger field will push it to migrate faster, while factors that increase drag or shield the charge slow it down. A higher net charge increases the force exerted by the field, and a smaller molecule experiences less friction as it travels through the gel matrix. Increasing the applied voltage strengthens the driving force, speeding migration. A moderate rise in temperature can lower the viscosity of the buffer, helping movement without pushing the system into conditions that could denature proteins; too much heat, however, may disrupt the separation.

Conversely, increasing ionic strength can shield charges and raise conductivity in a way that reduces effective driving force, and higher viscosity directly increases resistance to movement, both slowing migration. Lower pH or lower temperature generally reduces mobility, and longer molecules face more drag, moving more slowly. Therefore the combination of higher charge, smaller size, increased voltage, and a moderate temperature rise most effectively increases migration rate.