The goal of this project is the improvement of the undergraduate biochemistry laboratories by providing opportunities for biochemistry majors, and majors in other life sciences and secondary education to gain experience in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data generated by modern methodologies. UV-visible spectrophotometers interfaced with computer systems are used for the analysis of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of enzyme reactions. The computers are also interfaced with HPLC systems for analysis of peptide sequences and enzyme purification. A centrifuge and microfuges are used in the preparation of membrane proteins, subcellular fractionation of tissues, metabolic regulation experiments, and in purification of RNA/DNA. Fraction collectors are used in peptide sequencing and enzyme purification, and a vacuum concentrator is employed for peptide analysis, protein characterization, and isolation of RNA/DNA. Gel electrophoresis equipment is used in the analysis of membrane proteins, in enzyme purification, in Western blotting, and in Northern blotting of mRNA.
