Please answer to both parts of the questions In studying a p

Please answer to both parts of the questions.

In studying a particular biomolecule (a protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, or lipid) in the laboratory, the biochemist first needs to separate it from other biomolecules in the sample—that is, to purify it. However, by looking at the monomeric subunits of a biomolecule, you should have some ideas about the characteristics of the molecule that would allow you to separate it from other molecules. For example, how would you separate (a) amino acids from fatty acids and (b) nucleotides from glucose?

***Please answer in your own word***

Solution

Answer:

(a) Separation of amino acids from fatty acids:

Amino acids have the unique amino groups which is lacking in fatty acids. So, the binding affinity of the amino groups can be used as a basis to separate amino acids from fatty acids on an amino column.

They can also be separated on the basis of solubility and size. Fatty acids are less soluble in water compared to amino acids.

(b) Separation of nucleotides from glucose:

Nucleotide molecules are bulkier than glucose molecules. A nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate and a base, while a glucose molecule consists of six carbons. Thus, these two molecules can be separated on the basis of size. Moreover, nucleotide molecules contains negatively charged phosphate groups which imparts a net negative charge on the nucleotide. So, nuclotides and glucose can also be separated on the basis of charge and solubility.