Quick protein gel electrophoresis question

[David513]

Hi all. My question is: in Isoelectric Focusing, considering the equation for migration velocity v=E*z/f , is the reason that the lower pI proteins travel faster toward the anode and higher pI proteins travel faster toward the cathode because the "z" is of greater magnitude (but opposite in sign) for very low pI compounds and very high pI compounds?

Let me know if you need me to clarify anything about my question it might be a bit confusing. 😵

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[Roflcoppter1337]

It purely the charge of the protein. Low pI protein is high in acidic groups, meaning it is (-) charged and will migrate quickly to the (+) electrode which is the anode in this example. High pI protein is high in basic groups, meaning it is (+) charged, and will migrate toward the (-) electrode, the cathode.