SoTL Commons Conference Presenters
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A Laboratory Experience that Integrates Biochemistry and Instrumental Analysis
Rosa Flores (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras): rosa@hpcf.upr.edu
Hilda Solá-Soto (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras): hildamilagros@hotmail.com
We have selected the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to develop a laboratory experience where students study key aspects of protein structure and function using fluorescence spectroscopy. In this experience, students learn how to: (1) purify GFP from transformed bacterial cells using hydrophobic interaction chromatography, (2) study GFP structure using open access databases (e.g., Protein Databank and UniProt), (3) determine the excitation and emission spectrum of GFP, and (4) examine the effect of pH and temperature on GFP function (i.e., fluorescence). Attendees will have the opportunity to examine the methodology that led to student experimental results and learn how the laboratory experience compares with other methods for conducting undergraduate experiments.