1. Protein Electrophoresis
Kate Andrews
Lorraine Bruce
Marjorie Smith

2. Higher Human Biology Unit 1
Higher Biology Unit 1
phenotype determined by the proteins produced as the result of gene expression…..
One gene, many proteins…..
Post-translation protein structure modification…..
Proteins are held in a three-dimensional shape — peptide bonds, folded polypeptide chains, hydrogen bonds, interactions between individual amino acids.
Suggested learning activity: Separation and identification of fish proteins by agarose gel electrophoresis.

3. Electrophoresis uses electricity to separate electrically charged molecules.
The negatively-charged proteins move through the gel towards the positive electrode
Negative electrode
Positive electrode
The gel contain minute holes, so it acts like a sieve. Small proteins move quickly; larger proteins follow on behind.
Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

4. Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

5. gel -ve +ve well large proteins move slowly small proteins speed along
Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)
large proteins move slowly
small proteins speed along
gel
-ve
+ve
well

6. Electrophoresis is one of the key techniques use by molecular biologists and forensic scientists.
This skills associated with this technique can support the following aims of Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology:
develop an understanding of biology’s role in scientific issues and relevant applications of biology, including the impact these could make in society and the environment
develop the use of technology, equipment and materials, safely, in practical scientific activities
safely carrying out investigations/experiments and recording detailed observations and collecting data

7. Protein samples

8. Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

9. take the comb out gently
buffer should be
2-3 mm deep
take the comb out gently
leaving 6 ‘wells’, ready for your samples
Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

10. electrodes
Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

11. leaving any solid bits behind
Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)
leaving any solid bits behind

12. Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

13. Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

14. Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

15. Leave to stain overnight
Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)
Leave to stain overnight

16. Image from Dean Madden (NCBE)

17. Green pea
2. Red lentil
3. White fish
4. Prawn

20. Do crab sticks contain crab?vs