Teaching Protein Purification and Characterization Techniques. A Student-Initiated, Project-Oriented Biochemistry Laboratory Course

Gina MacDonald
Department of Chemistry, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (9), p 1250
DOI: 10.1021/ed085p1250
Publication Date (Web): September 1, 2008

Abstract

This report describes a biochemistry laboratory that is completely project-oriented. Upper-level biology and chemistry majors work in teams to purify a protein of their choice. After the student groups have completed literature searches, ordered reagents, and made buffers they continue to learn basic protein purification and biochemical techniques as needed during the semester. As the protein purifications progress the students encounter many common problems associated with attempting to reproduce published protein purifications. The students gain valuable problem-solving skills and work in a research group environment. The culmination of the course requires some characterization of the protein, a formal laboratory report, and a final presentation. Students characterize their proteins using activity assays or techniques such as infrared or circular dichroism to study protein structure or unfolding. Day-to-day laboratory experiences resemble an active undergraduate research laboratory. This laboratory is unstructured and works to integrate research and education and retain students in the sciences by exposing them to a completely open-ended, inquiry-based laboratory.

Keywords:

Upper-Division Undergraduate

Keywords:

Biochemistry

Keywords:

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords:

Biophysical Chemistry
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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