Bio 310L

Henrik Kibak

California State University Monterey Bay
BIO 310L - Lab #3 Insulin

   
In this lab we will investigate Insulin: primary sequence, processing, secretion, and receptor binding. Finally we will suggest a non-human, porcine, or bovine source of insulin.
 
Answer the following questions.
1. Above is the primary structure of bovine insulin as it is found in the bloodstream of cows. Prepare a document containing an alignment of human, porcine, and sperm whale insulin to bovine insulin. What are the differences? NCBI
2. Using Cn3D, prepare an image of the three dimensional shape of human insulin and add it to your document with a caption. Cn3D
3. How does the insulin hormone bind to its receptor? http://www.endotext.org/diabetes/diabetes3_new/diabetes3.htm
4. What approaches do scientists use to find which receptors are involved in binding to hormones? You may use insulin binding as an example. Insulin Through the Ages Pierce Biochemicals

5. How is insulin purified for use as a medication? Give a cartoon illustration if you wish.

6. Suppose you are a drug manufacturer and you want to market a form of insulin to societies which have religious proscriptions against injecting or injesting human, pig, or cow products, how would you proceed? How would you procure an economical source of insulin and which organ and organism would you use? What arguments can you assemble in favor of your choice?

 
We will spend lab time today getting started on these problems with your instructors assistance. The final problem set is due on your website by next Monday (Feb 13) 10am .