The pI (isoelectric point) of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is approximately 6.4.
Understanding CRP and its pI
CRP is a protein found in blood plasma, whose levels rise in response to inflammation. Understanding its characteristics, including its isoelectric point (pI), is important for its purification and characterization. The pI is the pH at which a molecule carries no net electrical charge. For CRP, a pI of 6.4 indicates its behavior in solutions with different pH levels. At a pH below 6.4, CRP will carry a net positive charge, and at a pH above 6.4, it will carry a net negative charge.
Relevance of pI in Protein Research
Knowing the pI is crucial for various biochemical techniques, including:
- Isoelectric Focusing: The pI is used to separate proteins based on their isoelectric points.
- Ion Exchange Chromatography: Proteins can be separated based on their charge, which is related to the pI.
- Protein Purification: Optimizing pH conditions to selectively bind or elute CRP based on its charge state.
CRP Properties
Here's a quick summary of key CRP properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Mass (monomer) | ~25 kDa |
| pI | 6.4 |
| Structure | 224-residue protein |
