1. Seminar Reflection 2
On September 20, 2012, Jessica Torres presented her seminar about a new and more
efficient manner of protein labeling. She explained to us the general structures of
proteins, how they are synthesized, and important reasons for which they are studied.
Afterwards she explained the newly-developed method for labeling proteins, which
consists of adding an unnatural amino acid to the protein synthesis process, and that
amino acid is then synthesized into the protein. This method is much more efficient,
because it doesn’t affect the protein’s biological functions within the organism.
Afterwards, the newly labeled proteins are identified by exposing the organism to
Ultraviolet light. As a result, the Ultraviolent light will react with the amino acid and the
protein will glow in the areas where the protein has been labeled. This method of
labeling is also efficient, because it does not affect the process of producing the protein,
and the organism goes through no change or damage. This is so due to the fact that
replacing the natural amino acid with the unnatural amino acid does not change
anything within the organism.