Biochemistry Learning Activities

Supplier: G-Biosciences

This lab activity is designed to demonstrate the different classes of protein molecules and their classification based on solubility. Students learn fractionation of soluble, insoluble membrane proteins, and cytoskeleton proteins from a tissue sample. The insoluble protein fraction is further fractionated into hydrophilic and hydrophobic membrane proteins. Cell membrane structure and the role of hydrophobic membrane proteins are considered. This lab activity also provides an opportunity to understand characteristics of various classes of detergents and the role of detergents in solubilisation of hydrophobic membrane proteins.

Supplier: G-Biosciences

The physical properties of proteins kit is a lab activity that enables students to investigate the physical properties of several different proteins. Students will learn about protein solubility and how it is affected by various parameters; including temperature, pH, salt and dielectric constant. They will understand about protein precipitation due to pH, high salt and in the presence of organic solvents and about protein denaturation as a result of high temperature. In addition, the kit will demonstrate how non-protein agents, such as detergents drastically alter the physical properties of protein molecules and as a result, understand the importance of detergents in protein solubilisation. This lab activity involves analysis of three different types of pure proteins and then students alter some of those properties with a detergent and re-examine physical properties of those proteins. Students are challenged to consider how physical properties of protein molecules can be exploited for purification and characterisation of proteins and apply their findings on a test sample of complex tissue extract.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

DNA fingerprinting are featured in this lab by comparing crime scene DNA with suspect DNAs. Fingerprint patterns are separated by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Investigate how agarose gel electrophoresis unlocks the color code used by food scientists to make colorful candies.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

The three most frequently used restriction enzymes are Eco RI, Bam HI and Hind III. Each enzyme catalyses cleavage at the defined base sequence. All enzymes are lyophilised and contain 1500 units. One unit is defined as the amount of enzyme required to digest 1,0 µg of lambda DNA in 60 minutes at 37 °C in a total reaction mixture of 50 µl.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Milk proteins are the most common food allergens in children. Accurate detection and labeling is vital to inform consumers about potentially dangerous foods.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

This experiment helps teach students about restriction enzyme digests in the context of forensic science. Students cut DNA with restriction enzymes and then compare the banding pattern of the crime scene DNA versus that of two suspects using agarose gel electrophoresis.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Small-scale, rapid isolation of plasmid DNA is a routine procedure used for screening and analysis of recombinant DNAs in cloning and sub-cloning experiments. In this experiment, students isolate plasmid DNA without the use of toxic chemicals such as phenol or chloroform.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

This easy and safe experiment allows students to learn about enzyme catalysis, the nature of enzyme action, and protein structure-function relationship. Students will perform an enzyme assay and determine the rate of the enzymatic reaction.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

The DNA from bacteriophage Lambda is a well-characterised linear molecule containing six recognition sites for Eco RI (5 distinct sites, 2 are very close in size). In this experiment, Lambda DNA is digested by the Eco RI endonuclease. The digestion products are analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

When DNA is subcloned in the pUC polylinker region, β-galactosidase production is interrupted, resulting in the inability of cells to hydrolyse X-Gal. This results in the production of white colonies amongst a background of blue colonies. This experiment provides a DNA fragment together with a linear plasmid and T4 DNA ligase. Following the ligation to synthesis the recombinant plasmid, competent E. coli cells are transformed and the number of recombinant antibiotic-resistant white and blue colonies are counted. β-galactosidase activity is assayed from blue and white bacterial cells.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

In this experiment, students will take on the role of transplant physicians. They will analyze simulated blood samples for transplant compatibility and compare genetic markers to identify which donor is the best match for a leukemia patient in need of a stem cell transplant.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Four experimental modules are combined into one experiment to provide a comprehensive biotechnology exploration focusing on the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Bacterial cells are transformed to express the GFP. The transformed cells are then grown and the GFP purified by column chromatography. Finally, the purity of the protein fractions are analysed by SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Microarray technology allows scientists to screen large numbers of samples in one assay. This technology allows high-throughput screening of small samples and allows comparisons to be made between healthy and unhealthy tissues. In this experiment, students apply simulated DNA and RNA samples to a membrane to screen for positive and negative samples.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Isolation of high molecular weight chromosomal DNA is the first step in molecular cloning since it is the source of genes in cells. This experiment provides DNA extraction LyphoCells and reagents for isolating chromosomal DNA from E. coli. After spooling from solution, the DNA can be dissolved and analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis as an optional lab extension activity.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

In this experiment, students purify the restriction enzyme, Eco RI. This procedure utilised an ion exchange chromatograph step for Eco RI purification. Column fractions are assayed for the enzyme using Lambda DNA and digestion products are identified by gel electrophoresis. Fractions that contain Eco RI are identified and pooled. The total and specific activities are calculated. Recommended for advanced courses.