Paper Chromatography and Paper Electrophoresis as Methods of Determining Relationships among Crayfishes

Forrest Goodall, Colby College

Abstract

In recent years two new experimental methods for the biologist, biochemist, chemist and medical researcher have been slowly making their way into science as important tools of research. They are paper chromatography and paper electrophoresis (also called zone electrophoresis). Both are methods of separating complex mixtures into their component parts, therby enabling identification of each of their component fractions, or comparison of patterns of different mixtures. The biologist has utilized these tools to determine differences in the plasma, body fluids and tissues of different species and also to determine differences within the species itself. The chemist and the biochemist have used these methods to separate and identify new chemical compounds and their constituent parts. In recent years these methods have become valuable diagnostic aids in medicine and much work is being done in medical research utilizing these two tools.