A semester‐long project‐oriented biochemistry laboratory based on Helicobacter pylori urease. Issue 5 (14th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farnham, Kate R.; Dube, Danielle H.
• Is Part Of: Biochemistry and molecular biology education. Volume 43:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 340
• Publication Date: 2015-07-14
• Subjects: Helicobacter pylori -- urease -- biochemistry laboratory -- inquiry‐based -- upper‐division undergraduate; Biochemistry -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 572.071
• DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20884
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-8175

Abstract

Abstract: Here we present the development of a 13 week project‐oriented biochemistry laboratory designed to introduce students to foundational biochemical techniques and then enable students to perform original research projects once they have mastered these techniques. In particular, we describe a semester‐long laboratory that focuses on a biomedically relevant enzyme— Helicobacter pylori ( Hp ) urease—the activity of which is absolutely required for the gastric pathogen Hp to colonize the human stomach. Over the course of the semester, students undertake a biochemical purification of Hp urease, assess the success of their purification, and investigate the activity of their purified enzyme. In the final weeks of the semester, students design and implement their own experiments to study Hp urease. This laboratory provides students with an understanding of the importance of biochemistry in human health while empowering them to engage in an active area of research. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(5):333–340, 2015.