NOTES IMMUNOLOGY 01/23/2007

charge is dependent upon pH.

whole charge of protein is sum of individual charges.

at equilibrium, pH = pKa and [B] = [HB].

overall charge depends on pH.

pI is defined as the isoelectric point.

using electrophoresis one can separate amino acids according to charge and size.

Isoelectric focusing is similar to electrophoresis but the difference is that the paper will have a pH gradient and each protein will stop at its isoelectric point.

salt concentration is important in bringing proteins into solution. proteins will not dissolve in aqueous solution that contains no salt.

the primary function of a protein is to recognize and bind to its substrate. this is largely determined by the protein's shape. chemical compatibility is also required in the form of bonds. 

DNA --> RNA --> protein