This activity is part of the Biotech Skills Labs pathway.
Bring protein expression and purification to your classroom with this
easy-to-do lab! In this activity, students express a mixture of
fluorescent proteins and then use affinity purification to isolate a
target protein. Because fluorescent proteins are used, students can
visually track the expression and purification process. Unlike
traditional protein expression and purification methods involving cell
culture and laborious column protocols, the use of the BioBits®
cell-free protein expression system and magnetic bead-based purification
makes this small-scale protein expression and purification simple,
affordable, and classroom-friendly.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, cell-free protein synthesis, affinity purification, fluorescence visualization
- Topics: Protein expression, protein purification, unit conversions, yield calculations, purity calculations
- Time required: Two class periods (one 15 min, one 60 min) OR three class periods (one 15 min, one 15 min, one 20 min)
- Level: General high school through college
This activity requires a magnetic separator (e.g., Pullit™4 magnetic rack). See "Requirements" tab for details.
What's included
Reagents for eight lab groups:
- 32 BioBits® pellets in 8-tube PCR strips
- GFP DNA
- RFP DNA
- Magnetic beads
- Wash buffer
- Elution buffer
- 0.2 mL 8-tube strips
Storage:
- Some reagents require refrigerator storage and some require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 6 months when stored as directed
Required equipment (one per lab group):
Other suggested supplies:
Curriculum Downloads
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Material Safety Datasheet
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