GFP and chromatography
Wed, Dec 9, 2026 · Week 16 · Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions)
Today's goal: Explain how GFP and chromatography let you track and separate a target protein.
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Definitions:
- Chromatography: a method that separates proteins by how strongly they bind to a material (resin) in a column.
- Elution: releasing the bound target protein from the resin so it flows out into a collected fraction.
Why GFP helps: GFP is fused to the target protein and glows green under UV light, so wherever the green glow is, the target protein is. That lets me see an otherwise invisible protein.
The steps, labeled:
1. Load: the protein mixture is added to the column; the target binds the resin while other proteins start to wash through.
2. Wash: buffer rinses away the unbound contaminants.
3. Elute: a change in buffer releases the target protein into the collected fractions.
Prediction: if purification worked, the elution fractions are the ones that should glow green under UV, because that is where the target protein comes off the column.
This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: Completes the chromatography task: a labeled diagram showing protein binding to the column, washing, elution, fraction collection, and a GFP signal prediction.
- Date and label the entry.
- Record the procedure, observation, or design decision clearly.
- End with what the evidence means and the next step.
Keep the structure. Replace the question, facts, measurements, and evidence. Then recheck units, vocabulary, and whether the conclusion goes beyond the evidence.
Also due today: Attach your labeled chromatography diagram to your PLTW tracker and submit it to Schoology.
Turn in: Labeled chromatography diagram
Go to Schoology to turn this in.
Submit one PDF. Put your first and last name in the document header. Name the file: FirstName LastName - Assignment Title - YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.
Open Schoology PDF upload helpIf you cannot get in, see Mr. Mendoza. Do not skip the work.
Claim ceiling: Today's evidence supports a classroom claim about today's lesson. It cannot prove causation, diagnose a real patient, or justify action outside this room.
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.
It builds this reusable test skill: Explaining how affinity chromatography and GFP isolate and track a protein.
- Name the concept or data pattern being tested.
- Cross out choices that violate that rule or the evidence.
- Justify the best remaining choice before checking the answer.