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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > September  >
In the Laboratory
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
Cover
September 2008
Vol. 85 No. 9
p. 1250

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.
More Information
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Citation
MacDonald, Gina. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1250.
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Keywords
Biochemistry; Biophysical Chemistry; Biotechnology; Chromatography; Curriculum; Enzymes; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Laboratory Instruction; Spectroscopy; Student-Centered Learning; Upper-Division Undergraduate; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
8/4/2008
8/4/2008
 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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