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Multiple Choice
In a cation-exchange column at neutral pH, which peptide would elute last?
A
A peptide that contains mostly Asp and Glu residues.
B
A peptide that contains mostly Tyr and Trp residues.
C
A peptide that contains mostly Ala and Gly residues.
D
A peptide that contains mostly Lys and Arg residues.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the principle of cation-exchange chromatography: It separates molecules based on their charge. At neutral pH, the column is negatively charged, attracting positively charged molecules (cations).
Identify the charge of amino acids at neutral pH: Aspartic acid (Asp) and Glutamic acid (Glu) are negatively charged, Tyrosine (Tyr) and Tryptophan (Trp) are neutral, Alanine (Ala) and Glycine (Gly) are neutral, while Lysine (Lys) and Arginine (Arg) are positively charged.
Determine the interaction of each peptide with the cation-exchange column: Peptides with more positive charges will bind more strongly to the column and elute later.
Analyze the composition of each peptide: The peptide with mostly Lys and Arg residues will have a higher positive charge compared to the others, leading to stronger binding to the column.
Conclude which peptide elutes last: Since the peptide with mostly Lys and Arg residues is the most positively charged, it will elute last from the cation-exchange column at neutral pH.