Question

Ion exchange chromatography is based on the:
(A) Electrostatic attraction
(B) Electrical mobility of ionic species
(C) Adsorption chromatography
(D) Partition chromatography

Answer 1

The technique used to separate molecules according to their charge is ion exchange chromatography, which can be used, for example, to purify charged molecules such as proteins, amino acids and nucleotides.

Complete step by step answer
Each of the proteins, amino acids, and nucleotides carries a charge depending on the pH of the solution around it. Therefore, the sample must first be placed into a solution which at a certain pH buffers the mixture.
Ion Exchange Chromatography Theory: Using a solution with differing ionic strength, the molecules divided on the basis of their charge are eluted. Highly selective separation of molecules according to their various charges takes place by moving such a solution through the column.
A gel matrix made from beads with charged functional groups is composed of an ion exchange column. The functional group that is used will depend on the separation molecule being targeted. For instance, if there is a positive charge on the molecules to be extracted from the sample, the functional groups in the column would have a negative charge.
The sample is slowly poured into the column of the ion exchange. The ions bind to the functional groups in the column as the fluid drains through the gel matrix, while the remainder of the solution passes through and can be collected as it exits the column's bottom.
The separation of ion chromatography is based on ionic (or electrostatic) interactions between ionic and polar analytes, eluent ions, and chromatographic support-fixed ionic functional groups.
Hence, option A- Electrostatic attraction is the correct answer.

Note
There are many applications of ion exchange chromatography, including:
For example, the isolation of proteins from foods to investigate the health effects of individual food components is a method of analysis used in nutrition research.
The isolation of proteins of high value from substances
Analysis of drinking water for contaminants and other elements
Identifying water chemistry in marine environments
Sugar and salt content determination in foods.