S1: Introduction to Molecular Biology

This program utilizes 6 experiments to stress the relevance of molecular biology and to the study of physiology and human disease. Students first learn how proteins are separated on the basis of charge by electrophoresis. With this information, they perform a series of experiments aimed at illustrating the importance of the technique in biology and medicine. Students examine proteins in biological fluids and relate their findings to physiological and pathological states. They also study specific antigens and enzymes in serum and the abnormal hemoglobin in patients suffering from sickle cell anemia. This fine collection of experiments provides an introduction to electrophoresis and to protein composition, structure, and function in health and disease.