Gel Permeation Chromatography

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is a laboratory technique used to separate molecules based on their size. Think of it as a filtering system: a sample is passed through a column filled with tiny beads. Smaller molecules can enter the spaces between these beads and take longer to move through, while larger molecules are unable to enter and travel faster. This allows scientists to analyze the composition of complex mixtures, especially in fields like chemistry and biology, and is often used to measure the molecular weight of polymers and other compounds.