A researcher is interested in whether or not a transcription factor binds to a specific site on a strand of DNA. However, the samples accidentally contain SDS. What will the gel mobility shift assay results show?
A) The protein will bind the DNA and retard the movement of the DNA through the gel.
B) The protein will not bind to the DNA and the movement of the DNA through the gel will not be affected.
C) The protein will bind the DNA and the movement of the DNA through the gel will not be affected.
D) The protein will not bind the DNA and the movement of the DNA through the gel will be affected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) is a detergent that denatures proteins by disrupting non-covalent bonds, which would prevent the transcription factor from binding to the DNA. Therefore, the presence of SDS in the samples would lead to a scenario where the protein does not bind to the DNA, and the movement of the DNA through the gel would not be affected, as the DNA's mobility is determined by its size and charge, not by protein binding in this context.

A Researcher Is Interested in Whether or Not a Transcription