| Summary: | Our intent is to present our experience on teaching Molecular Cell Biology and<br />Protein Chemistry at UNIRIO through an innovative approach that includes myosin II<br />extraction and purification. We took advantage of the properties of muscle contraction<br />and propose a simple method for purifying myosin II by affinity chromatography. This<br />original method is based on the preparation of an affinity column containing actin<br />molecules covalently bound to chitin particles. We propose a three-week syllabus that<br />includes lectures and bench experimental work. The syllabus favors the active<br />learning of protein extraction and purification, as well as, of scientific concepts such<br />as muscle contraction, cytoskeleton structure and its importance for the living cell. It<br />also promotes the learning of the biotechnological applications of chitin and the<br />applications of protein immobilization in different industrial fields. Furthermore, the<br />activities also target the development of laboratorial technical abilities, the<br />development of problem solving skills and the ability to write up a scientific report<br />following the model of a scientific article. It is very important to mention that this<br />syllabus can be used even in places where a facility such as ultra-centrifugation is<br />lacking.
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