Dialysis is used to separate small molecules, like salts, from proteins of interest in a purification scheme. The sample is placed in a dialysis bag, which is immersed in buffer, and the salts will separate and remain in the dialysis bag, which can be removed and discarded.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first sentence accurately describes the use of dialysis in separating small molecules from larger molecules like proteins. However, the second sentence incorrectly states the direction of salt movement; in dialysis, small molecules like salts actually diffuse out of the dialysis bag into the surrounding buffer, not remain in the bag.

Dialysis Is Used to Separate Small Molecules, Like Salts, from Proteins