logo
AAT Bioquest

What makes a detergent ionic?

Posted July 28, 2021


Answer

The presence of a charged hydrophilic head group makes a detergent ionic. Ionic detergents can be either anionic (negatively charged) or cationic (positively charged).

Ionic detergents have a much stronger effect as compared to nonionic detergents. This is because they bind to protein molecules, altering the structure and charge of the protein. Ionic detergents are often used when the preferred outcome involves the total breakdown of cellular structures and denaturing of proteins for separation during gel electrophoresis. 

Additional resources

Quantification of Detergents Complexed with Membrane Proteins

Gel Electrophoresis

Gelite™ Safe DNA Gel Stain *10,000X Water Solution*