What is one benefit of assessing protein purity through electrophoresis?

Assessing protein purity through electrophoresis provides the significant benefit of allowing comparison to known standards. This method separates proteins based on size and charge, producing a distinct pattern of bands that can be visualized. By comparing these bands to those of known purity standards, researchers can determine the purity of the sample being analyzed. The presence of additional bands may indicate contaminants or different forms of the protein, while a single, clear band suggests high purity. This comparative analysis is crucial in ensuring that the protein meets the necessary standards for various applications ranging from clinical to research settings.

Other options focus on aspects that are not directly related to the primary function of electrophoresis. For instance, quantifying the mass of proteins typically requires different methods, while increases in yield pertain to different production techniques rather than purification assessments. Similarly, genetic manipulation relates to molecular biology techniques, not directly to the analytical purpose of electrophoresis.