A Teaching Toolkit of Experiments using SSB Protein
Class
Article
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor
Edwin Antony
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
In advanced level biochemistry classes students study about many different model proteins and how each has a specific role. The proteins has very little do with one another but each is used to demonstrate a specific principle or concept, sometimes this inhibits learning. It's hypothesized that this problem can be addressed if teachers use a single exemplary protein to study many different scientific principles and concepts, rather than the one protein one concept model. This work proposes that the single stranded DNA binding protein from E. coli (EcSSB) would be an excellent candidate. It is a hardy protein that is cheap and easy to purify. It also has many chemical properties that can be demonstrated with simple experiments. The project will create a teaching module and make it publically available through a website (http://www.teachwithssb.com). A list of 4 experiments, making up one two week module, is proposed. Each unit has simplified explanations of methods and procedures for students to familiarize themselves with common protein experiments, and include some academic literature. Others will be encouraged to add additional experiments in an ongoing work.
Start Date
4-9-2015 3:00 PM
A Teaching Toolkit of Experiments using SSB Protein
In advanced level biochemistry classes students study about many different model proteins and how each has a specific role. The proteins has very little do with one another but each is used to demonstrate a specific principle or concept, sometimes this inhibits learning. It's hypothesized that this problem can be addressed if teachers use a single exemplary protein to study many different scientific principles and concepts, rather than the one protein one concept model. This work proposes that the single stranded DNA binding protein from E. coli (EcSSB) would be an excellent candidate. It is a hardy protein that is cheap and easy to purify. It also has many chemical properties that can be demonstrated with simple experiments. The project will create a teaching module and make it publically available through a website (http://www.teachwithssb.com). A list of 4 experiments, making up one two week module, is proposed. Each unit has simplified explanations of methods and procedures for students to familiarize themselves with common protein experiments, and include some academic literature. Others will be encouraged to add additional experiments in an ongoing work.