Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Ion Exchange Chromatography Virtual Lab

Learn about the function and principles of ion exchange chromatography and get hands-on experience by purifying a protein involved in Parkinson’s disease to help studying the relation between the protein and the disease.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

University / College

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Ion Exchange Chromatography

About this Simulation

This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length Parkinson’s Disease simulation. 

How to purify the protein sample to obtain a high purity compound? Now you have the opportunity to learn one of the techniques that can do that! In the Ion Exchange Chromatography simulation, you will learn what chromatography is and you will perform your own purification experiment.

Prepare the protein sample

First step in chromatography is the preparation of the sample. Therefore, in the beginning you will extract monomers of alpha synuclein (aSN), a protein that is involved in the development of Parkinson’s disease. In order to do so, you will use sonication to extract the protein, which is produced by an E. coli bacterial strain.

Perform ion-exchange chromatography

Next step is the purification of  the extracted aSN monomers by ion exchange chromatography. First, you will learn about the different parts of the chromatography equipment to get familiar with them and then you will apply your knowledge and run the experiment yourself!

Analyze the results and pick the right fraction

Finally, you will analyze the chromatogram and find the fraction that has our purified aSN protein. Your work will help the researchers in their further study. Maybe your contribution will help us find a cure for Parkinon’s disease?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Set up the apparatus required and follow the general workflow associated with liquid chromatography

  • Detail the concept behind compound separation by size exclusion

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Ion-exchange column chromatography

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with embedded quiz questions

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Ion Exchange Chromatography" simulation?
What is the simulated Chemistry scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Chemistry labs does Labster offer?