Question

On a size exclusion column, large molecules will elute _____ small molecules?

1) before
2) after

Answer 1

Large molecules will elute after small molecules on a size exclusion column.

Step-by-step explanation:

On a size exclusion column, large molecules will elute after small molecules. Size exclusion chromatography separates molecules based on their size. The stationary phase in the column consists of porous beads that allow smaller molecules to enter the pores but exclude larger molecules. As a result, small molecules can penetrate deeper into the column and take longer to elute, while large molecules are excluded and elute first.