BioBits®: Protein Structure and Function
Illuminate the levels of protein structure and how they relate to function with the BioBits® cell-free system.
Proteins are essential tools for life. But how does a simple string
of amino acids fold into an intricate three-dimensional structure
capable of performing a specific task, such as emitting fluorescence?
Using fluorescent proteins as a model, students will explore a
protein’s primary, secondary and tertiary structure and relate those
structures to protein function in an integrative, hands-on lab. First,
students will compare different fluorescent protein sequences at the
primary, secondary, and tertiary levels and use that analysis to predict
protein functions. Students will then express these fluorescent
proteins using a simple cell-free protocol to test their functional
predictions. This activity serves as an excellent interactive
introduction to the basics of protein structure and function, as well as
a springboard for discussing more advanced topics such as protein
engineering.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, fluorescence visualization, cell-free protein synthesis
- Topics: Levels of protein structure, protein structure and function relationships, fluorescence, protein synthesis, protein analysis
- Time required: 30 minutes during 1 class period, followed by 10 minutes for observation 8-72 hours later
- Level: General high school through college
The BioBits® Structure and Function kit contains the following reagents for 8 lab groups
- 32 BioBits® pellets in 8-tube PCR strips
- DNA Sample FP1
- DNA Sample FP2
- DNA Sample FP3
- Nuclease-Free Water
- 10 disposable UV flashlights
*Note: Reagents are compatible with P51™ Molecular Fluorescence
Viewer or other blue light transilluminator (460-480 nm, e.g. blueBox™
or blueGel™). If you have a P51™ viewer purchased before September 2019,
contact us to request an orange filter with your BioBits order.
Required equipment (one per lab group):
- Micropipettes and tips
- P51™ Molecular Fluorescence Viewer or other blue light
transilluminator with an orange filter (460-480 nm, e.g. blueBox™ or
blueGel™).
Storage notes:
- Reagents require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 6 months when stored in the freezer
- If a freezer is not available, BioBits® pellets are viable for three months when stored in a refrigerator.
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