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Protein N‐Glycans: Incorporating Glycochemistry into the Undergraduate Laboratory Curriculum

Protein N‐Glycans: Incorporating Glycochemistry into the Undergraduate Laboratory Curriculum
Learning Objets
Summary
The article "Incorporating Glycochemistry into the Undergraduate Laboratory Curriculum: Isolation and Analysis of Soybean Glycoprotein β-Conglycinin" addresses the underrepresentation of glycoscience in undergraduate biochemistry labs by introducing a multiweek experimental series. Students isolate β-conglycinin from soy flour and analyze it using SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. They also apply a bleach-mediated carbohydrate-cleavage protocol and quantify carbohydrate content with a phenol−sulfuric acid assay. This curriculum was implemented in both introductory and upper-level biochemistry courses, employing inquiry-based and guided-inquiry approaches, respectively. The successful execution of these experiments provides a cost-effective and innovative approach to integrating traditional and modern glycoscience techniques into undergraduate education.
Keyword Tags
Carbohydrates
Biochemistry
Inquiry-Based/Discovery Learning
Proteins
Peptides
Laboratory Instruction
Analytical Chemistry
Soy Chemistry
Hands-on Learning/Manipulatives
Link to external
Protein N‑Glycans: Incorporating Glycochemistry into the Undergraduate Laborato…
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
By completing this multiweek glycoscience laboratory series, students will be able to:

1. Understand the Importance of Glycoscience
Explain the role of carbohydrates in biological systems and their interactions with proteins.
Recognize the underrepresentation of glycoscience in traditional biochemistry curricula and its relevance in modern research.

2. Isolate and Analyze Glycoproteins
Successfully extract and purify β-conglycinin from soy flour.
Characterize the glycoprotein using SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry.

3. Apply Analytical and Chemical Techniques
Perform a bleach-mediated carbohydrate cleavage reaction to study glycoprotein composition.
Use a phenol–sulfuric acid assay to quantify carbohydrate content.

4. Develop Laboratory and Critical Thinking Skills
Compare and interpret data from different experimental methods.
Understand the significance of glycoprotein analysis in biochemistry and biotechnology.

5. Engage in Inquiry-Based Learning Approaches
Introductory-level students will develop hypotheses and explore results through inquiry-based learning.
Upper-level students will engage in guided inquiry, applying bioanalytical methods to a real-world problem.
Through these objectives, students gain hands-on experience with glycoscience techniques, reinforcing core biochemistry concepts while applying modern analytical methods.
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Lecture or course slides/notes (e.g., PPT, Prezi, PDF)
Activities/Technology (e.g., in-class activities, online games, hands-on activities/manipulatives, outreach, virtual tools, etc.)
Assessments
Journal articles
Audience
Introductory Undergraduate
Common pedagogies covered
Blended learning
Collaborative/cooperative learning
Context-based learning
Hands-on learning
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Atom Economy
Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
Designing Safer Chemicals
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
Design for Energy Efficiency
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Reduce Derivatives
Real-Time Pollution Prevention
Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Good Health and Well-Being
Quality Education
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
This glycoscience laboratory series involves protein isolation, SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, and a bleach-mediated carbohydrate cleavage reaction, all of which require proper safety measures to minimize risks.

1. Chemical Hazards
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite Solution)

Hazard: Can cause skin irritation, eye damage, and respiratory issues if inhaled.
Precaution: Work in a fume hood, wear gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats. Avoid mixing bleach with acids to prevent toxic chlorine gas formation.
Phenol–Sulfuric Acid Assay Reagents

Hazard: Phenol is toxic and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns upon skin contact.
Precaution:
Work in a fume hood and wear gloves, goggles, and a lab coat.
Always add acid to water, never the reverse, to prevent splashing.
Properly dispose of phenol-containing waste according to hazardous chemical disposal guidelines.
Acrylamide (for SDS-PAGE)

Hazard: Neurotoxic in liquid form and can be absorbed through the skin.
Precaution: Handle acrylamide in a chemical fume hood, wear gloves and protective gear, and dispose of properly in designated waste containers.
2. Physical Hazards
High-Voltage Equipment (Gel Electrophoresis & Mass Spectrometry)

Hazard: Can cause electrical shocks if mishandled.
Precaution: Ensure proper grounding of equipment and do not touch buffer solutions while the gel system is running.
UV Light (Gel Documentation Systems)

Hazard: UV exposure can cause eye and skin damage.
Precaution: Wear UV-protective goggles and avoid direct exposure.
Glassware and Sharp Objects

Hazard: Risk of cuts or breakage when handling fragile glassware or cutting gels.
Precaution: Handle with care and dispose of broken glass in designated sharps containers.
3. Biological & Sample Handling Risks
Soy Protein Extracts

Hazard: Potential for allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to soy proteins.
Precaution: Gloves and masks should be worn if handling powdered soy extracts to avoid inhalation or skin contact.
Handling Biological Samples

Hazard: Contaminated samples may contain microbial or biochemical hazards.
Precaution: Follow sterile techniques, dispose of biological waste properly, and wash hands after handling samples.
4. Waste Management and Environmental Considerations
Proper Disposal of Chemicals

Bleach and acid waste should be neutralized and disposed of per institutional chemical waste guidelines.
Phenol waste should be collected in a separate hazardous waste container.
Acrylamide waste should be disposed of in designated toxic waste containers.
Minimizing Solvent Use

Use small-scale reactions to reduce waste and work in microplate formats when possible to limit reagent use.
Energy Conservation

Reduce instrument operation time for electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to minimize energy consumption.
5. Risk Mitigation Strategies
✅ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles at all times.
✅ Work in Well-Ventilated Areas: Use fume hoods for bleach and acid handling.
✅ Proper Training and Handling Procedures: Ensure students receive safety training before using equipment and chemicals.
✅ Emergency Preparedness: Have eyewash stations, safety showers, and spill kits available in case of accidents.
✅ Labeling and Storage: Clearly label all chemicals, and store corrosive or toxic reagents in appropriate safety cabinets.

NGSS Standards, if applicable
The NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) that align with this study on glycoscience and protein analysis include:

Physical Science (Chemistry & Biochemistry Applications)
HS-PS1-2: Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.

Relevant to understanding the bleach-mediated carbohydrate cleavage reaction and how oxidation affects glycoproteins.
HS-PS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances and determine if they can be classified as acids, bases, or salts.

Applied when using the phenol–sulfuric acid assay to quantify carbohydrates.
Life Science (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA and proteins determines their function.

Related to β-conglycinin structure and function as a glycoprotein in soybeans.
HS-LS1-6: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and other large carbon-based molecules.

Helps students understand how carbohydrates interact with proteins in glycosylation and how they are analyzed in the lab.
Science and Engineering Practices (Experimental Techniques)
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations:

Students design and conduct an experiment to isolate, analyze, and quantify β-conglycinin.
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking:

Students perform quantitative analysis using spectrophotometric assays and mass spectrometry.
Analyzing and Interpreting Data:

Students examine SDS-PAGE results and mass spectrometry data to characterize β-conglycinin and its glycosylation state.
These standards emphasize biochemistry, analytical techniques, and molecular interactions, aligning with the study's focus on glycoscience in undergraduate labs.

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Submitted by

Kris Weigal
Published on
Moderation state
Published
Collection
Soy Chemistry Literature