Program for Simulating Gel Electrophoresis of Enzyme-Digested Proteins

Abstract

A new program, ECEP2D, for simulating the one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) patterns of the gel electrophoresis of a protein after it has been digested by one or more enzymes is introduced. With ECEP2D, students can gain deeper insights into gel electrophoresis by performing hands-on simulations. For example, students can visualize how 2D gel electrophoresis can improve resolution over 1D by comparing them side-by-side. Students can watch how different enzymes cut a protein into different fragments, giving rise to different gel patterns; some patterns are less congested than the others. Students can recognize how enzyme digestion can enhance gel electrophoresis to distinguish proteins. For students not having the chance to take biochemistry laboratories, ECEP2D provides a useful simulated learning environment. Instructors can also complement wet-lab experiments with simulations by ECEP2D to introduce more concepts with fewer laboratory hours. ECEP2D is available for free at .

Development of an ICP-MS Instrument Simulator: Software for Teaching Elemental Analysis to Undergraduates

“…Recent years have seen a rapid growth in the use of digital resources for teaching chemistry, which has included the development of virtual laboratories and simulations. Examples of simulated analytical techniques include chromatography, liquid–liquid extractions and UV/vis spectroscopy, electrophoresis, atomic absorption and atomic emission spectroscopy, and titrations . Advantages of simulations include facilitating distance learning, reducing exposure to hazardous materials, enabling students to spend greater time optimizing and familiarizing themselves with instrumentation, and providing experience with techniques that are prohibitively expensive to perform.…”