The Case of the Missing Penguins
A Protein Analysis Activity

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Hook
After reading a scenario simulating illegal poaching of penguins in Antarctica, students will analyze various meat samples to determine whether or not a "confiscated" tissue sample belongs to tahat of the missing Antarctic penguins. Students will conduct a protein analysis of the tissue comparing the "confiscated" tissue to a "known" tissue sample. Students will analyze the tissue samples using gel electrophoresis.

In a first year biology course students typically study the classes of biological molecules, proteins being one of the classes. Seldom, however, does the leson get followed by any practical lab work involvng proteins. This lab demonstrates one method where proteins can be studied in more detail using visual data that demonstrates one way that proteins differ. Ths lab also gives the student some practical experience using get electrophoresis.

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