1. Reflection on the second seminar:
A new and better way of labeling proteins is the introduction of an unnatural
amino acid into proteins. This protein labeling technique does not interfere with the
functions of the natural systems of organisms, therefore making it the best option to use
when labeling proteins. An unnatural amino acid is chosen because of certain
characteristics it possesses that are similar to those of natural amino acids, yet different
enough so that it is not recognized. By adding a stop codon to the unnatural amino acid
and inserting that into the TRNA, the only protein that will be labeled is the one that is
wanted not any other. In addition, it is important to have a carbonate group and that the
structure of the amino acid be small when it comes to labeling because it will be more
effective. Though this specific research is relatively new, it is an advancement in
scientific research for protein labeling and has the following implications and
applications.