Into which electrophoretic fraction do the five immunoglobulin classes migrate?

Into which electrophoretic fraction do the five immunoglobulin classes migrate?

• A. Alpha 1 globulins
• B. Alpha 2-globulins
• C. Beta 1 globulins
• D. Gamma-globulins

Answer: (D)

During serum protein electrophoresis, proteins separate into fractions based on size and charge. Immunoglobulins—the antibodies—move together in the gamma globulin region, which is where most antibodies accumulate after separation. All five classes (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE) are represented there, with IgG usually being the most abundant contributor to the signal. The other fractions (albumin, alpha, and beta globulins) are composed of non-antibody proteins such as transport proteins and components of the immune system, not antibodies. Therefore, the five immunoglobulin classes migrate in the gamma globulin fraction.

During serum protein electrophoresis, proteins separate into fractions based on size and charge. Immunoglobulins—the antibodies—move together in the gamma globulin region, which is where most antibodies accumulate after separation. All five classes (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE) are represented there, with IgG usually being the most abundant contributor to the signal. The other fractions (albumin, alpha, and beta globulins) are composed of non-antibody proteins such as transport proteins and components of the immune system, not antibodies. Therefore, the five immunoglobulin classes migrate in the gamma globulin fraction.