CHEM 120 Week 7 Virtual Lab; Protein Synthesis Part I, Part II

Learning Objectives • Explain the translation process from mRNA to amino acid • Explain post-translational modification of proteins • Explain protein synthesis processing in the ribosome • Explain the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of protein • Explain the basic principles of mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) Introduction In the Protein Synthesis lab, you will learn about the difference between protein synthesis in prokaryote (using E. coli) and eukaryote (using Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells). Prepare recombinant Erythropoietin and use the mass spectrometer Your first task in the lab will be to prepare recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) that is transfected into E. coli and CHO cells. The lab assistant will prepare the recombinant EPO and you will measure the mass to charge ratio using a mass spectrometer. Not sure how to handle the mass spectrometer? No worries! You can just take out your labpad and find an animated video to learn the basics. Study the translation process from mRNA to amino acids You will also learn about the translation process from mRNA to amino acids and how amino acids are assembled to proteins. A 3D animation will describe how codons are translated into amino acids, how these amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds creating a primary structure of protein, and how the primary structure is folded into secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. Investigate doping in bike athletes In the last part of the Protein Synthesis lab, you will use mass spectrometry to investigate if any athletes are using recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) as a doping substance. You will do so by collaborating with the doping agent who collects urine samples at a large bicycle race. Will you be able to detect if any of the athletes are using doping? Part 1: Complete Labster Lab: Protein Synthesis Part 2: Report and Reflection Purpose: Describe in complete sentences and in your own words, the purpose of this experiment. Observations: Record three observations from the simulation. Answer the questions below: 1. In your own words, describe the process of gene expression beginning from the nucleus to the formation of the polypeptide sequence. 2. Complete the table below: 3. Assume that RNA Polymerase will read the parental strand of DNA given here and write the mRNA sequence that would result: - TATGCTTCCGTA – 4. Reflection: Consider what you learned from this simulation. Reflect on three to four key concepts that you learned in this lab exercise. How could the lessons learned in this virtual lab relate to a real world situation in the community/world or your future career? Be specific in your answer (this should require 5-10 sentences).