What is one primary use of biotin in biochemical techniques?

Biotin is a vitamin that is widely used in biochemistry, particularly due to its strong affinity for streptavidin, a protein that binds to biotin with high specificity and strength. This property is leveraged in various biochemical techniques for the purification and detection of proteins and other biomolecules.

The use of biotin for the purification of cross-linked molecules by streptavidin is a fundamental approach in molecular biology. For instance, researchers can attach biotinylated tags to target molecules or proteins. Once conjugated, these biotinylated molecules can then be captured and purified using streptavidin-coated surfaces or beads, facilitating the isolation and study of the target biomolecule without losing its functional properties. This method is highly advantageous for various applications, including protein purification, immunoassays, and studying protein-protein interactions.

This strong biotin-streptavidin interaction forms the basis of many experimental designs, allowing for efficient and effective isolation of biomolecules in a controlled manner, which is essential for accurate biochemical analysis. The ability to easily purify and manipulate biomolecules makes biotin invaluable in research and diagnostic settings.