Zymogram sample buffer is primarily used in protein electrophoresis, particularly in zymography, a technique employed to detect enzyme activity. It is essential for preparing protein samples before loading them onto gels. The buffer helps in denaturing proteins without disrupting their enzymatic activity, ensuring that the proteins retain their functional properties during the separation process. This is crucial for identifying enzymes like proteases, lipases, or other hydrolytic enzymes in biological samples. Additionally, it often contains reducing agents to break disulfide bonds, allowing for better separation of protein subunits. The buffer also includes tracking dyes to monitor the progress of electrophoresis, ensuring accurate analysis of enzyme activity patterns on the gel.