A. There are two phases to HPLC: mobile and stationary.

B. Separation, identification, and purification of proteins are just a few of the applications for HPLC.

C. The downside to HPLC is that it is not very adaptable due to the availability of stationary phase material.

D. All of the above statements are true.

HPLC fundamentally consists of mobile and stationary phases with diverse applications including protein separation, while being highly adaptable due to extensive stationary phase options.

Question Analysis

This tests HPLC fundamentals: basic principles (A), applications (B), and common misconceptions about limitations (C). “Not correct” identifies the false statement.

Option Analysis

A. There are two phases to HPLC: mobile and stationary

Correct. All chromatography (including HPLC) uses mobile phase (liquid eluent) and stationary phase (column packing: C18, silica, etc.).

B. Separation, identification, and purification of proteins are just a few of the applications for HPLC

Correct. HPLC applications: RP-HPLC (proteins/peptides), SEC (size), IEX (charge), affinity (specific binding), pharmaceuticals, metabolites, etc.

C. The downside to HPLC is that it is not very adaptable due to the availability of stationary phase material

INCORRECT. HPLC is extremely adaptable with 100s of stationary phases: C18/C8 (RP), amino/cyano (normal phase), HILIC, chiral, SEC, IEX, affinity. This is HPLC’s greatest strength.

D. All of the above statements are true

False. C is incorrect, making D wrong.

Correct Answer

C. The downside to HPLC is that it is not very adaptable due to the availability of stationary phase material

HPLC Stationary Phase Diversity

GATE Prep Key Concept

HPLC = Most Versatile Chromatography Technique. Stationary phase “columns as reagents” principle—select column for target properties (hydrophobicity, charge, size, affinity). Major limitation is cost/pressure, NOT adaptability.

Pattern Recognition: Previous questions tested chromatography principles (ion-exchange, RP, SEC, affinity). This tests “exception” (NOT correct) pattern common in GATE technical subjects.

Pro Tip: When asked “HPLC limitation,” answer: high cost, organic solvent use, pressure limits. Never “lack of stationary phases”—that’s completely false.