This project modifies the existing biochemistry laboratory with the improvement and addition of experiments in enzymology that provide students with a laboratory experience similar to one they might experience in a research environment. The addition of two instruments, a kinetic plate reader and a UV-visible spectrophotometer, to the biochemistry laboratory is allowing the students to perform three complete enzyme isolations in which they can collect kinetic and protein concentration data rapidly at every step to determine the extent of purification. They can also determine the kinetic properties of three different enzymes using rapid analytical techniques so they can collect a significant amount of useful data and also have time to adjust experimental conditions and to correct mistakes. In particular, the addition of the kinetic plate reader provides the means to use a unique two-dimensional method of enzyme and protein analysis in the teaching laboratory. This new two-dimensional method not only greatly decreases time required for data collection but also provides rapid and clear visualization of experimental results. The time savings provides the additional advantage of having the instructor available to help the students with data interpretation prior to leaving laboratory. This equipment enables the students to perform a number of meaningful experiments so that they can become acquainted with the techniques and use of modern, computer controlled instrumentation.
