In chromatographic techniques, what is the stationary phase?

In chromatographic techniques, the stationary phase is defined as the phase that remains fixed in the column during the separation process. This phase plays a crucial role in the separation of compounds as the mobile phase moves through it. Different substances passing through the column interact with the stationary phase to varying degrees, influencing their movement and thus separating them based on specific properties.

This design allows for the differentiation of components in a mixture; for example, in liquid chromatography, the stationary phase might consist of a solid or gel that retains certain molecules based on size, polarity, or charge, while the mobile phase transports the sample through the column. The correct understanding of the stationary phase is essential for grasping how chromatography works, especially in applications involving the purification or analysis of proteins and other biomolecules.

The options that imply movement through the column, alterations of protein structures, or separation based on temperature are unrelated to the definition of the stationary phase as they describe either the roles of the mobile phase or other factors entirely.