Purification and characterization of enzymes from yeast: An extended undergraduate laboratory sequence for large classes

Abstract

Providing a project-based experience in an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory class can be complex with large class sizes and limited resources. We have designed a 6-week curriculum during which students purify and characterize the enzymes invertase and phosphatase from bakers yeast. Purification is performed in two stages via ethanol precipitation and anion exchange chromatography, and students perform both direct and coupled enzyme assays. By completion of the experimental series, students are able to identify which enzymes they have purified and have obtained kinetic parameters for one. This experimental series requires minimal instructor preparation time, is cost effective, and works with multiple sections of large groups of students. Students participating in this sequence showed increases in conceptual understanding of biochemical concepts as measured through in-class assessments and anonymous surveys.

The experimental teaching reform in biochemistry and molecular biology for undergraduate students in Peking University Health Science Center

“…In addition to the typical course evaluations, 56 students were asked to fill out a survey about the course either several months or a year after taking the course (Table ) . This timing allowed the students to gauge what they had learned and determine whether they were able to maintain the knowledge from the course.…”

Large Courses at Universities: Criteria for Teacher Action

“…However, beyond the particularities and differences among each approach, there is a consensus to understand active learning as a process that occurs when students manage to perform tasks and activities immersed in a system of knowledge and think toward their learning process [19]. Examples of these active methods are peer-assisted learning [21][22][23], formal and informal group learning [24][25][26][27][28], and the assessment, evaluation, and feedback between blind peers [29,30]. These should be considered to make a positive impact on student's learning outcomes.…”

Single-Step Gene Knockout of the SUC2 Gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae : A Laboratory Exercise for Undergraduate Students

“…Invertase is secreted by yeast cells. It is also frequently used as a model for the study of enzyme kinetics in laboratory teaching courses ( 5 ).…”