What Techniques are Used in Biomolecular Analysis?
Several techniques are employed in biomolecular analysis, each with unique advantages and applications:
Mass Spectrometry (MS): Used for identifying and quantifying biomolecules by measuring their mass-to-charge ratio. Chromatography: Techniques like HPLC and GC are used to separate and analyze biomolecules based on their physical and chemical properties. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Provides detailed information about the structure and dynamics of biomolecules. X-ray Crystallography: Used to determine the atomic structure of crystallized biomolecules. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): A widely used technique for detecting and quantifying proteins and other antigens. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplifies small amounts of DNA for various applications, including genetic analysis and cloning.
