Protein Gel Electrophoresis
Animals
Evolution
Genetics
High School
Inquiry/Scientific Method
Molecular Biology
Students will separate a mixture of proteins from skeletal muscle using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). PAGE is a powerful analytical technique having numerous applications in modern biology. Evidence for evolutionary relatedness amongst organisms can be determined using this technique. Suggested organisms to compare include various fishes, mammals, poultry and/or seafoods, all of which are available from the grocery store. During the laboratory, students will develop an experimental design, prepare samples of muscle tissue from various organisms, observe the process of electrophoresis and analyze their results. Analysis consists of comparing protein bands according to their molecular weights on the gel.
