The cellular environment is a constant dynamic with the continued synthesis, degradation and recycling of protein molecules. This dynamic allows for close regulation of cellular processes by switching off cellular pathways by degrading key proteins. The degradation of proteins is controlled and regulated by specialized proteins, known as proteases.
This Protein Degradation kit is designed to demonstrate the dynamic nature of protein molecules in living cells, by incorporating hands-on training in protein analysis and electrophoresis. This lab activity exposes students to time course dependent reactions and orderly manipulation of step-by-step lab activity in research laboratories. It teaches students analytical and organizational skills needed for conducting serious laboratory tasks. Students explore protein biosynthesis and the role of proteolytic degradation and recycling of protein building blocks in the cellular environment. Students perform proteolytic degradation of protein molecules and learn to understand the role and significance of proteases in normal cells and disease processes. Students will understand the concept of proteases in protein analysis, protein purification, and industrial applications.
Supplied with components needed for hands-on experimentation for six workstations of 4-5 students or 24-30 students. Supplied with Teacher’s Guide and separate Student’s Guides.
Applications
This lab activity teaches the following:
- Dynamic nature of protein molecules in living cells.
- Time course dependent reactions.
- Orderly and timely manipulation of multi-step procedures.
- Significance of protease activity in living cells.