The Molecular Weight of a Purified High-Sulphur Protein Derived from Wool

Abstract

Gillespie (1962) has described the separation and purification of a highsulphur protein component (SCMKB1) produced from a reduced and alkylated extract of Merino wool. This protein derivative gives a single peak on electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation over a wide pH range. From its hydrodynamic properties Gillespie estimated its molecular weight to be in the vicinity of 25,000-27,000. It was of interest to check this value by the light-scattering technique since values so obtained are very sensitive to the presence of higher molecular weight impurities.