Methods of
Chemistry
and Particles
identification
Project: 5th period
Maya Rueda De Leon Ortiz
Liquid Chromatography
Chromatography is a method that helps separate compounds and mixtures. It starts with columns
that contain a fritted bottom. Next one compound is place inside the column, which will be the
stationary phase. Then another compound or mixture is place into the column. This second
compound will be the one that will be separated. This stage is called the mobile phase. Once the
liquids come in contact, the difference in the two will go down the column and thus separate the
compound.
Mikhail S. Tswett, a Russian scientist, invented this process. His experiment was over a plant
solvent he obtained and followed the basic procedures. The results of his experiments gave a new
method for identifying chemicals.
Today this method is used in laboratories around the world. On example of the use of this
method in the world is in drug testing, for samples of urine.
Gel Electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis is a method that helps separate and sort DNA sizes. For example a test tube
full of different strands and sizes of DNA. How is it possible to separate the different sizes in
order to compare them? The gel like substance is get ( a filter that separates cells like a sponge
like thing) and drops of the DNA into tiny holes that are inserted on top. Next an electrical
Current that makes the DNA move is add. This part is called Electrophoresis. The result would
be the shortest strands of DNA at the bottom and the larger ones on top. The smaller the strand
the faster it moves.
Today, Scientist uses this method to purify DNA. An example would be separating the DNA in
samples in hospital.
Works cited
1. “GEL ELECTROPHORESIS VIRTUAL LAB” Learn.Gentic.n.d.Web.
March 28, 2012
<http://www.waters.com/waters/nav.htm?cid=10048919&locale=en_US>
2. “Liquid Chromatography (LC)” The Chemistry Hypermedia Project, March 3,
2012. Web. March 28, 2012.
< http://www.files.chem.vt.edu/chem-ed/sep/lc/lc.html>
3. “What Is HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)?” Waters: the
science of what is possible. n.d. Web. March 28, 2012
< http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/>