Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation

2.3.4.2. Cellulose

Cellulose is a high molecular weight compound. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CM-cellulose) is formed when the –CH₂OH group is converted to –CH₂OCH₂COOH, which is a weak cation exchanger. Similarly, DEAE-cellulose is formed when the –CH₂OH is converted to CH₂OCH₂CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)_2, which is a weak anion exchanger. These are the popular exchangers used for the separation of proteins.