Myoglobin structure and function: A multiweek biochemistry laboratory project

Abstract

We have developed a multiweek laboratory project in which students isolate myoglobin and characterize its structure, function, and redox state. The important laboratory techniques covered in this project include sizeexclusion chromatography, electrophoresis, spectrophotometric titration, and FTIR spectroscopy. Regarding protein structure, students work with computer modeling and visualization of myoglobin and its homologues, after which they spectroscopically characterize its thermal denaturation. Students also study protein function (ligand binding equilibrium) and are instructed on topics in data analysis (calibration curves, nonlinear vs. linear regression). This upper division biochemistry laboratory project is a challenging and rewarding one that not only exposes students to a wide variety of important biochemical laboratory techniques but also ties those techniques together to work with a single readily available and easily characterized protein, myoglobin.

Conceptualizing learning about proteins with a molecular viewer in high school based on the integration of two theoretical frameworks

“…The third is promoting students' independent learning. There does not seem to be any need to develop tasks using a molecular viewer for the student to acquire knowledge of proteins, since there are other techniques of learning using molecular models 3–10 . However, the student's involvement in the tasks, which incorporate procedural knowledge P2 regarding the use of software features for high‐school students, may promote independent learning.…”

“…Visual literacy in biochemistry can greatly assist experts and students, both of whom use such molecular models to study protein structure and function 1,2 . Most of the curricula for students in tertiary education suggest three main means of displaying visual information using molecular models of proteins: (i) retrieving structure files from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RSCB‐PDB) and visualizing them using PyMol 3–6 or another molecular viewer 7–10 ; (ii) encouraging the haptic perception of protein structures using tactile molecular models in combination with visualization of molecular models 11–16 ; (iii) using virtual reality or augmented reality in 3D 17–19 . The wide scale use of molecular models as a visualization tool for learning about proteins has prompted the development of frameworks for evaluating visual literacy in biochemistry 1,2,20 for teachers and students in tertiary education 21–26 …”

Iron deficiency without anaemia: a diagnosis that matters

“…Less appreciated, however, is its role in mitochondrial functioning, including the synthesis of cofactors and enzymes necessary for cellular respiration. 26,27 Consequently, highly metabolic cells such as cardiomyocytes and skeletal muscle cells are dependent on iron for optimum functioning. 10 A randomised controlled trial (RCT) by Melenovsky et al showed that ID reduces aerobic respiration and citric acid cycle enzyme activity in advanced HF.…”

PDB‐101: Educational resources supporting molecular explorations through biology and medicine

“…PDB‐101 content is primarily developed by RCSB PDB team members. A quarterly Education Corner publishes descriptions of how other researchers and educators (e.g., 51–59 ) are using PDB data in classrooms, art, and science outreach.…”