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Biochemistry laboratory courses often focus on protein biochemistry, with an emphasis on purification, concentration measurement, electrophoresis, and kinetics. Along with these in vitro techniques, visualization of a protein's structure can add excitement as well as deepen understanding of the relationship between a proteins structure and its function. This workshop will use approaches developed as part of the BASIL curriculum (Biochemistry Authentic Science Inquiry Laborotory; https://basilbiochem.github.io/basil/) to combine discovery of functions of unknown proteins within the teaching laboratory. Participants will use online and local software to predict an active site within and protein structure, propose molecules which represent ligands or substrates for these proteins, and use docking software to predict binding site and affinity between one or more small molecules and their protein. While designed for junior/senior level undergraduates, these techniques are readily adaptable to introductory level chemistry and biology courses as well as at the high school level. They are based on free/open source software packages and web tools and require no specialized equipment beyond a standard computer setup. 

Cross-cutting Thread(s):
Organizer 1

Michael Pikaart

Organizer 1 Email
pikaart@hope.edu
Organizer 2

Paul A. Craig

Organizer 2 Email
paul.craig@rit.edu