Methods in Biochemistry

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture | 3 hrs Lab) This course examines the application of physical methods to problems of biochemical interest. Topics to be covered include the isolation and stabilization of proteins; sub-cellular fractionation; methods for the assay of protein activity; the determination of enzyme kinetic parameters; purification and analysis of biomolecules (especially proteins) by selective precipitation (varying pH, salt concentration, and solvent), liquid chromatography (ion exchange, gel filtration, and affinity chromatography) and electrophoresis (slab gel and capillary); ultracentrifugation; and biochemical applications of the use of radioisotopes. Although emphasis is placed on the application of these techniques to proteins, application to other classes of biomolecules are examined as appropriate. Requisite Courses: CHEM-3503 [prerequisite(s)]; CHEM-4506L (lab) (must be taken concurrently); CHEM-4502 (recommended prerequisite).