#Id: 2481

#Unit 13. Methods in Biology

Polyacrylamide Gel are formed by the polymerization of acrylamide monomer in the presence of smaller amounts of N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (normally referred to as ‘ bis-acrylamide’).

#Id: 2482

#Unit 13. Methods in Biology

The polymerization of acrylamide is an example of free-radical catalysis and is initiated by the addition of ammonium persulfate and the base N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylenediamine ( TEMED).

#Id: 2483

#Unit 13. Methods in Biology

The polymerization of acrylamide is an example of free-radical catalysis and is initiated by the addition of ammonium persulfate and the base N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylenediamine ( TEMED

#Id: 2484

#Unit 13. Methods in Biology

TEMED catalyzes the decomposition of the persulfate ion to give a free radical (i.e., a molecule with an unpaired electron):

#Id: 2485

#Unit 13. Methods in Biology

Photopolymerization is an alternative method that can be used to polymerize acrylamide gels. Ammonium persulfate and TEMED are replaced by riboflavin and when the gel is poured it is placed in front of a bright light for 2–3 h.

#Id: 2486

#Unit 13. Methods in Biology

Photodecomposition of riboflavin generates a free radical that initiates polymerization.