A chemist isolated a protein from a crab and wanted to determine its molecular weight. Which of the following method would have given the best result for him?
Correct answer: D. Osmotic pressure method
- A. Elevation in boiling point
- B. Relative lowering of vapour pressure
- C. Depression in freezing point
- D. Osmotic pressure method
Explanation
To determine the molecular weight of a protein, a chemist can use various methods such as osmotic pressure method, ultracentrifugation, and gel filtration chromatography. However, the osmotic pressure method is the most straightforward and cost-effective method. In this method, the protein solution is placed in a semipermeable membrane that allows only solvent molecules to pass through.The protein molecules are too large to pass through the membrane, so they remain in the solution.The concentration of the protein solution is then varied, and the osmotic pressure of each solution is measured.
Last updated
About Macromolecules
Proteins are classified by shape, composition and structure, from primary amino acid sequence to secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation, and their biological roles are linked to this structure. Enzymes are examined as protein biocatalysts, including active sites, substrate specificity, activation energy, cofactors and factors affecting activity.
Practise Macromolecules
299 free Macromolecules MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 12 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.