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.

Downloads

• BioBits® Structure and Function Lab Instructor’s Guide
• BioBits® Structure and Function Lab Student’s Guide
• BioBits® Structure and Function Bioinformatics Extension
• BioBits® Structure and Function Classroom Slides

• BioBits® SDS
• FP DNA SDS

If you cannot find the answer to your problem then please contact us or telephone +44 (0)1954 210 200