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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > May  >
In the Laboratory
Probing Changes in the Conformation of tRNAPhe: An Integrated Biochemistry Laboratory Course
Sarah R. Kirk, Todd P. Silverstein, Karen L. McFarlane Holman, and Buck L. H. Taylor
Department of Chemistry, Willamette University, Salem, OR 97301
Cover
May 2008
Vol. 85 No. 5
p. 666
Abstract
We have designed a new guided-inquiry laboratory for an advanced biochemistry course. This integrated laboratory focuses on the biomolecule tRNAPhe and combines elements of bioorganic and bioinorganic chemistry with biochemistry. Throughout the semester students work together to study tRNAPhe structure and ligand binding by (i) assaying metal-catalyzed hydrolysis using gel electrophoresis; (ii) probing thermal denaturation with UV–vis spectrophotometry; and (iii) characterizing ligand associated changes in conformation via fluorescence spectroscopy. Students begin the course with a common laboratory experience and then diverge into parallel projects, ending with a novel self-designed project. In their final report, students interpret experimental results from the entire class and draw conclusions regarding the effects of various ligands on the structure of tRNAPhe.
Supplement
Detailed student manual; Instructor notes; Fluorescence curves for the tRNA Y base; Results of the course evaluations; Online reference list
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Contents
  JCE2008p0666W.pdf
 
JCE2008p0666W.zip
Folder JCE2008p0666W containing JCE2008p0666W_1.doc, JCE2008p0666W_2.doc, and JCE2008p0666W_3.doc (Microsoft Word)
More Information
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Citation
Kirk, Sarah R.; Silverstein, Todd P.; Holman, Karen L. McFarlane; Taylor, Buck L. H. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 666.
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Keywords
Biochemistry; Bioinorganic Chemistry; Bioorganic Chemistry; Biophysical Chemistry; Collaborative / Cooperative Learning; Electrophoresis; Fluorescence Spectroscopy; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Laboratory Instruction; Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA; Student-Centered Learning; Upper-Division Undergraduate; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
3/25/2008
3/28/2008
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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