Introduction to Comparative Proteomics and SDS-PAGE

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on comparative proteomics and SDS-PAGE.

Proteomics

Study of proteins, particularly structures and functions.

Proteome

Entirety of proteins in existence throughout life cycle, or in a specific cell type under stimulation.

Human Proteome Organization (HUPO)

Dedicated to cataloging human proteins, their function, and their interactions.

Central dogma

Concept that DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is then translated to protein.

Transcription

Creation of an RNA molecule based off of a DNA template by RNA polymerase.

Translation

Creation of a polypeptide based off of an mRNA molecule by a ribosome.

RNA Editing

Modification of RNA sequences that can change the resultant protein's amino acid sequence and other properties.

Alternative Splicing

Process where portions of mRNA can be introns or exons, changing based on spliceosome action.

mRNA Degradation

The process by which mRNA can be actively degraded or protected to regulate protein production.

Proteolytic Cleavage

Process where proteins have their initiating methionine removed or are activated/inactivated by cleavage.

Protein Degradation

Regulation process that controls the amount of a specific protein in the cell.

Protein-Protein Interaction

The reliance of many proteins on others for proper function.

Glycosylation

Attachment of carbohydrates to biological molecules, affecting their function.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphoryl (PO3) group to a molecule, affecting enzyme activity.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

13-year effort to sequence approximately 100,000 protein-encoding genes.

Phenotypic Diversity

Variability in traits due to one gene encoding multiple proteins.

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)

Detergent that denatures proteins and overrides their charges for electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis

Migration of charged molecules in an electric field toward the opposite charge electrode.

Discontinuous System (SDS-PAGE)

Allows all proteins in a sample to separate at the same time during electrophoresis.

Resolving Gel

Higher concentration acrylamide gel that separates proteins based on molecular weight.

Migration Speed

The rate at which different ions and proteins move during electrophoresis.

Charge Density

The charge-to-mass ratio of a molecule affecting its mobility in electrophoresis.

Denaturation

Disruption of protein structure including secondary, tertiary, and quaternary forms.

Western Blot Process

Technique for transferring proteins from gel to membrane and identifying them using antibodies.

Molecular Weight Markers

Standards used to create standard curves for estimating unknown protein sizes.

Factors for Protein Denaturation

Heat, ionic detergent (SDS), and reducing agents disrupt protein structures.

Bio-Safe Coomassie Protein Stain

A reagent used for staining proteins in polyacrylamide gels.

Cladogram Construction

A graphical representation of evolutionary relationships among species based on characteristics.