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Solubility of Proteins

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Summary

Areas of Science
Difficulty
 
Time Required
Long (2-4 weeks)
Prerequisites
Basic introduction to chemistry
Material Availability
A computer with Internet access is necessary for this project.
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
No issues
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Abstract

Some proteins are soluble in aqueous solutions and some are not. Insoluble proteins can be a problem because the proteins can form large aggregates in solution which are difficult to purify, crystallize, and use in experiments. Compare the amino acid sequence and 3-D structures of some soluble and insoluble proteins (Berman, 2000). Is the structure polar or non-polar, and how might this affect solubility? How do detergents make an insoluble protein more soluble? Investigate how this technology is used to make cleaning products that are designed to break up the biochemical particulate matter that create stains on clothing and other surfaces. Are detergents or special enzymes involved?

Bibliography

Berman, H.M., et. al., 2000. "The Protein Data Bank," Nucleic Acids Research, 28 pp. 235-242 (2000). [accessed 3/25/06] http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/Welcome.do.
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Global Connections

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

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General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Solubility of Proteins." Science Buddies, 28 July 2017, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/BioChem_p018/biotechnology-techniques/solubility-of-proteins. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2017, July 28). Solubility of Proteins. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/BioChem_p018/biotechnology-techniques/solubility-of-proteins


Last edit date: 2017-07-28
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