Chapter 1 - Steady-state Gel Electrophoresis Systems

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of steady-state gel electrophoresis systems. The term steady-state electrophoresis is used as a reference to electrophoresis characterized by a steady state, in which the electrolyte phases remain of constant ionic composition and there is no net transport of ion constituents by diffusion processes. The term is used in connection with isotachophoresis systems, moving boundary systems, and isoelectric focusing systems. The steady-state electrophoresis systems usually involve boundaries that separate electrolyte phases with different ionic composition. The electrolyte phases are usually different in the qualitative sense, that is, one or more ion species is present on only one side of the boundary. It is entirely possible, however, to design systems in which the same ions are present on both sides of the boundary with only their concentration ratios being different to those of the adjacent electrolyte phases. The chapter discusses various types of electrophoresis systems encountered in daily laboratory work. It presents the quantitative basis for calculation of their ionic composition. It also discusses the fundamental properties of steady-state electrophoresis systems.