A Research‐based Laboratory Course Examining the Structure and Function of Alcohol Dehydrogenase Improves Student Confidence in Common Biochemical Techniques

Abstract

Inquiry‐based learning has been shown to increase student's interest and motivation while improving critical thinking and cooperative learning. At Bellarmine University, we have introduced a semester‐long research project into our second semester Biochemistry course that allows students to study the fundamental relationship between protein structure and function using the yeast alcohol dehydrogenase I (ADH1) enzyme. Students explored the published crystal structure of ADH1 and were asked to identify a mutation that they could create that might affect the catalytic function of the enzyme. Using site‐directed mutagenesis, the mutation was introduced into the ADH1 gene, and the mutant protein was expressed and purified using His‐tag affinity chromatography. Finally, enzyme kinetic studies were performed and the results were compared to wild‐type ADH1. At the completion of the semester, a formal lab report resembling a journal publication was submitted. Student performance was evaluated based on the quality of the formal lab report, individual lab notebooks, and weekly participation. Through this exercise, students used a number of biochemistry techniques and developed research skills that better prepared them for independent laboratory research in their senior year. Student assessment of the familiarity and confidence in both commonly used databases such as pubMED and PDB as well as the biochemical techniques used in this course increased significantly.