17. In Sephadex G series (gel filtration), as the G number increases from 10, 15, 25 … 200, the pore size of the beads:

A. Decreases

B. Increases

C. Remains constant

D. Varies from manufacturer to manufacturer

Correct answer: B. Increases

In the Sephadex G series (G‑10, G‑15, G‑25 … G‑200), a higher G number corresponds to a higher molecular weight exclusion limit, which in practice means larger internal pores in the gel beads. As the G number increases, the beads can accommodate and separate larger molecules, so the effective pore size increases.

Why option B is correct (pore size increases)

  • Sephadex is a cross‑linked dextran gel used for gel filtration (size exclusion) chromatography.

  • The G number (e.g., G‑10, G‑25, G‑100) is related to the exclusion limit of the gel in terms of molecular weight; higher G numbers can separate larger molecules.

  • To allow larger molecules into the beads, the internal pores must be larger, so as you go from G‑10 to G‑200, the pore size increases.

  • Therefore, as the G number increases, the pore size of the beads increases, making B the correct answer.

Why option A is incorrect (pore size decreases)

  • If pore size decreased, the gel would exclude larger and larger molecules and only allow very small molecules inside.

  • That would mean higher G numbers are suitable only for smaller molecules, which is the opposite of what is observed in Sephadex gels.

  • Hence, saying pore size decreases with increasing G number contradicts the basic design and labeling of the Sephadex G series.

Why option C is incorrect (pore size remains constant)

  • Different Sephadex G types are specifically manufactured to have different fractionation ranges, which depend directly on pore size.

  • If pore size were constant, G‑10, G‑25, G‑50, G‑100, G‑200 would all separate the same range of molecular weights, making the series meaningless.

  • Therefore, pore size cannot remain constant across the series.

Why option D is incorrect (varies from manufacturer to manufacturer)

  • Sephadex is a trademarked, standardized product line (originally from Pharmacia/GE/Cytiva), with well‑defined G numbers and corresponding fractionation ranges.

  • While minor batch-to-batch differences can exist in any material, the trend of increasing pore size with higher G number is fixed, not arbitrarily varying between manufacturers.

  • So the systematic relationship between G number and pore size is not manufacturer dependent in the way option D suggests.


Introduction (SEO‑Optimized)

Sephadex G series pore size is a fundamental concept in gel filtration chromatography for separating biomolecules by size. Understanding how pore size changes with G number, from G‑10 up to G‑200, helps you choose the right Sephadex grade for protein and polysaccharide purification as well as solve competitive exam questions accurately.


What Is the Sephadex G Series?

Sephadex is a cross‑linked dextran gel commonly used in size exclusion chromatography. Different G types (G‑10, G‑15, G‑25, G‑50, G‑75, G‑100, G‑200) are designed to separate molecules over distinct molecular weight ranges.

Key points:

  • Each G number corresponds to an approximate molecular weight exclusion limit.

  • Lower G numbers (e.g., G‑10, G‑15) are for very small molecules.

  • Higher G numbers (e.g., G‑100, G‑200) are for larger molecules, such as bigger proteins and polysaccharides.

  • This behavior is directly linked to the pore size of the beads.


Relationship Between G Number and Pore Size

As you move from G‑10 → G‑15 → G‑25 → … → G‑200, the gels are designed with progressively larger pores.

  • Higher G number → higher exclusion limit → larger pores.

  • Larger pores allow entry of larger solute molecules into the bead interior.

  • This expands the fractionation range, enabling separation of higher molecular weight species.

A simple way to think of it:

  • G‑10: small pores, only very small molecules can enter.

  • G‑25 / G‑50: medium pores, suitable for many peptides and small proteins.

  • G‑100 / G‑200: large pores, suitable for larger proteins and polysaccharides.


Concept Check: MCQ Recap

To reinforce the concept:

As the G number increases from 10, 15, 25 … 200, the pore size of the beads:

  • A. Decreases

  • B. Increases ✅

  • C. Remains constant

  • D. Varies from manufacturer to manufacturer

Because higher G numbers are designed for higher molecular weight exclusion limits, the Sephadex G series pore size increases with G number, making option B correct.


Summary Table: G Number vs Pore Logic

Sephadex Type (G) Relative Pore Size Relative MW Range Conceptual Use Case
G‑10 Small Very low MW Small solutes, salts
G‑25 Small–medium Low MW Desalting, peptides
G‑50 Medium Moderate MW Small proteins
G‑100 Large High MW Larger proteins
G‑200 Larger Very high MW Very large proteins/polymers

(Exact numerical ranges vary by datasheet, but the trend of increasing pore size with increasing G number is fixed.)


This structure gives you both a clear conceptual understanding for exams and an SEO‑friendly article targeting the key phrase “Sephadex G series pore size.”

2 Comments
  • Vanshika Sharma
    January 29, 2026

    As the G no. Increases the pore size is also increases

  • Kanica Sunwalka
    June 25, 2026

    G no. icreases – > pore size increases

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