Protein-purification lab
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · Week 16 · Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions)
Today's goal: Run a protein-purification procedure and collect fractions to isolate the 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.
Parallel practice run, not today's column: a red fluorescent protein on a ten-tube column. I loaded the mixture, washed, then eluted while watching for the red glow.
Reading: tubes 1 to 3 were the load flow-through and tubes 4 to 6 the wash, with no glow, so the unbound proteins washed off. Tube 7 glowed faintly, tube 8 glowed strongly, tube 9 faintly, and tube 10 not at all. So tubes 7 to 9 are my target collection, with most of the protein in tube 8.
Error-control note: one source of error is uneven tube volumes, which make a tube look brighter only because it holds more liquid. I controlled for it by collecting the same number of drops in every tube.
| Tube | Buffer applied | Red glow | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Load flow-through | No | Discard |
| 4 to 6 | Wash | No | Discard |
| 7 | Elution | Faint | Target |
| 8 | Elution | Strong | Target |
| 9 | Elution | Faint | Target |
| 10 | Elution | No | Discard |
This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: Models the fraction-collection data sheet on a parallel practice column for a different glowing protein: tube number, buffer applied, glow, target labels, and one error-control note.
- Name the variables and include units.
- Enter observations without changing the raw values.
- Check labels, calculations, and patterns before interpreting the data.
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: Submit your fraction-collection data sheet in Schoology before leaving lab.
Turn in: Fraction-collection data sheet recording tube number, buffer applied, GFP signal (yes/no), and target-fraction labels plus one error-control note.
Go to Schoology to turn this in.
Submit one PDF. Schoology attaches your name to your upload; on the page itself, write your period and code. 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 protein-purification lab. 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: Identifying target fractions from GFP signal during column purification.
- 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.