In the Protein Synthesis lab, you will learn about the difference between protein synthesis in prokaryote (using E. coli) and eukaryote (using CHO cells).

Prepare recombinant Erythropoietin and use the mass spectrometer

Your first task in the lab will be to prepare recombinant Erythropoietin that is transfected into E. coli and CHO cells. The lab assistant will prepare the recombinant EPO and you will measure the mass to charge ratio using a mass spectrometer. Not sure how to handle the mass spectrometer? No worries! You can just take out your labpad and find an animated video to learn the basics.

Study the translation process from mRNA to amino acids

You will also learn about the translation process from mRNA to amino acids and how amino acids are assembled to proteins. A 3D animation is shown describing how triplets of codons are translated into amino acids, how these amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds creating a primary structure of protein, and furthermore, how the primary structure is folded into secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure.

Investigate doping in bike athletes

In the last part of the Protein Synthesis lab, you will use mass spectrometry and investigate if there are any athletes who are using rhEPO as a doping substance. You will do so by collaborating with the doping agent who collects urine samples in a large bicycle race.

Will you be able to detect if any of the athletes are using doping?