Boundary analysis of sedimentation‐velocity experiments with monodisperse and paucidisperse solutes

Abstract

Abstract A method is presented which allows one to calculate a distribution of sedimentation coefficients from the boundries of sedimentation‐velocity experiments with mono‐ or pauci‐disperse solutes. With two solutes differences in S value as small as 20% can be resolved. In absence of heterogeneity and concentration‐dependent effects, the analysis also provides values for the diffusion coefficient within an accuracy of −10 to +5%. Tests with both simulated data and ultracentrifugation experiments on short DNA fragments show the value and the limitations of the method.