Question

Smaller molecules elute faster than larger molecules during gel filtration.

(a) True

(b) False

The question was asked during an internship interview.

My question is taken from Enzymes Purification topic in section Enzymes Purification of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) False

For explanation I would say: During gel filtration, smaller molecules penetrate the porous membrane and are temporary held by the gel and their migration would be delayed through the column. Whereas large molecules rapidly move through the column within the space between gel particles and thus quickly eluted. Hence the above statement is false.