gel filtration chromatography

Gel filtration chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate mixtures of molecules based on their size. It involves passing a solution through a column filled with tiny porous beads. As the mixture flows through, smaller molecules can enter the pores of the beads, slowing them down, while larger molecules cannot, allowing them to pass through more quickly. This size-dependent movement results in the separation of the molecules, so they can be collected in distinct fractions. It's commonly used in biochemistry for purifying proteins, nucleic acids, and other biological molecules.