Solubility of Proteins

Areas of Science	Biotechnology
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.

Cite This Page

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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 29 Oct. 2020.

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

Experimental Procedure

For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

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Abstract

Bibliography