In the lab, you will use size exclusion chromatography to separate two molecules: blue dextran (MW ~ 2,000,000) and phenol red (MW 354). These are not proteins, but dyes. If we were actually separating proteins, we would do the entire procedure in the 4 degree cold room, as cold temperatures protect proteins from denaturing. By doing this activity with dyes, you will be able to see the separation in real time - and you won’t need a winter coat. After chromatography, you will also learn about and practice dialysis. Download the protocol below.
Chromatography and Dialysis Protocol