Incorporating Polyacrylamide Electrophoresis of Model Enzymes into Scenario Based Labs Investigating Protein Structure-Function Relationships

 

Michael J. Keller

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2013, Volume 34

Abstract

Scenario based exercises provide a relevant context for labs and demonstrate the application of methods for testing authentic hypotheses. Investigative labs also offer opportunities to familiarize students with a variety of technologies that researchers use in practice. In our introductory molecular and cell biology labs we have developed a three-week lab unit that engages students in hypothesis testing, protocol optimization, and testing functional consequences of changes in enzyme structure using model enzymes. We have adapted isozyme staining protocols to modified SDS-PAGE analysis to allow students to visualize differences in tertiary structure of active enzymes in tissue extracts simulating different genotypes for a hypothetical mutation in alkaline phosphatase. This workshop will demonstrate these techniques.

Keywords:  enzyme, protein, PAGE

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2012)