4. Protein electrophoresis
Differences betweeen the proteins of different species are reflected in their electrical charges. These differences can be measured by running a current through a jelly-like substance, in this case cellulose acetate gel, on which the protein samples are loaded. The samples will run through the gel at different rates depending on their size and charge, and can than be detected by staining the gel for a single type of protein (left). This technique has been used in many of our projects, for example:
- Genetic criteria for reserve selection
- The genetic status of Australian populations of the Small Pearl Oyster, Pinctada imbricata
- Incipient speciation in freshwater snails of an arid zone artesian spring complex
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