Although DNA is the blueprint for life, it is the set of proteins that are actually transcribed and translated that determine the function of a particular cell.
Proteomics is the study of the complete protein complement of the cell, tissue, or organism.
Scientists may compare samples from normal and diseased tissues, or from tissue samples harvested over the course of development, to identify those proteins whose expression levels change. Two-dimensional gel technology was first described more than 25 years ago by Patrick O'Farrell . However, recent advances have made the technique more popular, by improving what was often a harrowing and time-consuming experience. 4 New stains and staining techniques now permit proteins present in low abundance to be detected in one step. These advances have combined to make 2-D electrophoresis a more attractive option for the analysis of complex protein mixtures.