SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis)

SDS-PAGE is a laboratory technique used to separate proteins based on their size. Proteins are first treated with a detergent called SDS that unravels them and gives them a uniform negative charge. When placed in a gel made of a conductive polymer, an electric current pulls the proteins through the gel. Smaller proteins move faster and travel farther, while larger ones move more slowly. This process allows scientists to analyze protein sizes and compare different samples effectively.