Purifying Mitochondrial Proteins Santa Maria College, Northcote - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

8/08/2012

Purifying Mitochondrial Proteins

Santa Maria College, Northcote

Emerald Cornwall-Jones, Hong Le-Nguyen, Sia Melekiola, Alison Graham and Tess Pearson

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What we believed science was

• “Science is only for nerds.” – Sia
• “Science is mainly practical experiments.” –Tess
• “All scientists are like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory.” – Hong
• “There is only one large discipline of Science.” – Alison
• “Different fields of Science can not be combined.” - Emerald

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How is this project related to a real world problem?

• Defects in assembly factors will lead to a decrease in complex I.
• By purifying these proteins, we hope to indentify their structure and

understand how they function.

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What do we mean by integrated science?

• Different disciplines of science working together.
• The CXS combines Biology and Physics in order to use X-rays to

investigate biological samples.

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The project goal

• To purify the proteins CIA30 and ACAD9 from bacteria.
• By doing this, we hope to understand the specific functions of these

proteins.

• Also, where the CIA30 and ACAD9 protein goes in the cells.

CIA30 Purification

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0 24 T S UB W E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6

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CIA30 Microscopy

GFP TOM20 Merge

ACAD9 Purification

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0 24 T S UB W E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6

ACAD9 Microscopy

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GFP TOM20 Merge

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Further Areas or Questions to Investigate

After spending our week in the Biochemistry lab we would be interested in investigating the following:

• How do proteins mutate?
• If we used a different method would our results have been more

accurate?

• What would happen to Mitochondria if there are too many assembly

factors?

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What was interesting about the science that is happening in this lab?

• The techniques and procedures such as using cancer cells from

60 years ago to look at the proteins in cells.

• The contribution towards the understanding and treatment of

mitochondrial diseases.

• Being able to observe organelles through a microscope.

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Why Should We care about the Research?

• It brings us closer towards being able to understand and diagnose

mitochondrial diseases.

• These diseases include;

Parkinson’s Alzheimer's Neurodegenerative diseases Cardiomyopathy Diabetes

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How is it relevant to other sciences?

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How Has Our View of Science

• r Scientists Changed?
• “Science is for anyone who is interested in it, you don’t have to be

nerd to like science!”- Sia

• “Science is more than just experiments. It requires research and

communication.” –Tess

• “Scientists are friendly and are great at communicating.” –Hong
• “There are many different fields of Science.” –Alison
• “Different disciplines of Science can work together.” -Emerald

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What Have We Learnt?

• Experimental Techniques:

Purify protein, ran gels to analyze the proteins, staining gels.

• Use Different Instruments:

Centrifuge, microscope, rotor wheel, roller, Nickel Resin.

• Team Work:

Cooperation and effective communication.

• Deeper/ More Meaningful Thinking:

Analyzing results and understanding how they contribute to the final solution.

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What choices have opened up to me In Possible Career Choices?

• After this experience we are more aware of what scientists are doing

for our society.

• We have been made aware of the many different career choices that

are available to us in the different fields of science.

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How has being part of GTP changed my appreciation for Biochemistry?

• Going to La Trobe University and experiencing what Biochemists do

is a privilege that we all appreciated greatly.

• During the week we were able to have a hands on experience by

working closely with scientists in the lab.

• We performed multiple experiments that enhanced our knowledge

and appreciation of biological science.

• The Growing Tall Poppies program has helped us all value the

different aspects of biological science.

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Acknowledgements

• The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-Ray Science
• The Growing Tall Poppies Program Developer:

Dr Eroia Barone-Nugent Santa Maria College

• NAB Schools First & Catholic Education Office
• The Ryan Lab – Biochemistry Lab of La Trobe University
• Supervisor/Awesome Mentor: Luke Formosa