Here we present an investigative enzyme lab using alkaline phosphatase extracted from bean beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus). In the process of performing this exercise, students will a) learn about the life cycle of the beetles and how to identify different sexes and how to culture the beetles, b) gain experience in designing a study using basic biochemical techniques such as simple extractions, spectrophotometry, and colorimetric assays, and collecting, analyzing, and reporting data for such a study, and c) discuss and study the factors that affect the activity of enzymes. Depending on the level at which the course is taught, longer term projects may include optimizing cofactor concentrations, optimizing temperature conditions, using bioinformatics tools to compare the structure of the enzyme from bean beetles to those from other animals, and investigating the effects of other cofactors, activators, or inhibitors identified through a literature review.
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