Kit No. 005(#005)
Proteins extraction from foods and their detection by horizontal gel electrophoresis

Proteins are large, diverse biomolecules with very important functions in the cells of living organisms. The structure and function of many proteins are similar in closely related species, but the amount of protein varies in our food sources.

There are several ways to identify protein. One of these methods is the use of electrophoresis, which can isolate and detect proteins. Using this kit, students can easily break the walls and membranes of animal and plant cells and prepare the obtained cell extract using a special protein extraction buffer and separate protein content on the agarose gel in the electrophoresis device. Then, by coloring the gel, they will be able to identify proteins and compare them in different foods.

Goal:

Performing this experiment, students can extract the protein content of the cereals and meats, then, observe them on agarose gel and compare the protein content extracted from different sources.

Component of Package:

All lab equipment, materials and chemicals needed for experiment, manual booklet, buffers, and ready-to-use agarose gel 3%

Time of experiment: about 120 minutes

Target group:  high school students (second level)

Advantages of the Kit:

• As much as possible, the materials and equipment needed for the test are available in the kit
• Teachers can easily guide students in the experiment by reading the booklet in the kit
• Students are able to easily extract protein from a variety of foods
• Students can compare proteins in plant and animal cells with horizontal electrophoresis and 3% agarose gel

    Ready-to-use agarose gels %3 available in the kit which can be stored for six months at 4° C temperature, solves the problem of students’ lack of mastery in making agarose gel in the school laboratory.

Students do not face the potential dangers of making acrylamide gel, by using agarose gel. This kit can be used to teach students in second level of high school and in the university laboratory for undergraduate students in biology.