Comparative Proteomics Kits

Explore evolution, construct cladograms and explore immunodetection.

Kit I: Protein Profiler Module: Students make predictions about their results in pre-lab activities using Internet databases and published phylogenetic information. They then employ protein electrophoresis, the most widely used technique in life science research, to study protein structure and function, generating protein profiles from the muscles of both distantly and closely related species of fish. From their results, they compare the different species profiles, construct cladograms (phylogenetic trees), and assign each organism a branch. Students can decide whether their results support their predictions. Precast TGX gels required, not included.

Kit II: Western Blot Module (must follow Kit I): Students use antibodies to confirm presence/location of one specific protein in each species profile. Measurable differences in the molecular weights of the myosin light chain proteins from different species lead students to hypothesize about how these variations relate to evolutionary relationships of the species.