Background:Proteomics is the study of structures and functions of proteins. Proteomics is related tothe study of genomics, but the key difference is that proteome differs from cell to cell andchanges through biochemical reactions, whereas the genome is more constant. Protein expressioncan radically differ in an organism due to environmental conditions, part of the body, and stagesof development. T
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Background:
Proteomics is the study of structures and functions of proteins. Proteomics is related to
the study of genomics, but the key difference is that proteome differs from cell to cell and
changes through biochemical reactions, whereas the genome is more constant. Protein expression
can radically differ in an organism due to environmental conditions, part of the body, and stages
of development. That has now been expanded to the study of protein functions, interactions,
modifications, cellular locations, and expression levels at all stages of development in cells and
tissue. Even the slightest change in an organism could place it under a new or different
classification.
With over 300 species of squid and countless other species under the same phylum who
derive from a common ancestor it can be difficult to differentiate them. Through the technique of
protein gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), scientists are able to examine the protein similarities
and differences of different species. An SDS-PAGE is a form of electrophoresis that treats
samples with SDS to denature proteins. Typically, proteins are separated using a polyacrylamide
gel as opposed to agarose gels, which is used to separate DNA. Since proteins are much smaller
than DNA, we have to use polyacrylamide because similar pore sizes. In PAGE, there are 2
phases of polyacrylamide. First is the discontinuous system which has an upper stacking gel of
4% acrylamide and a lower resolving gel of higher percentage. This results in all the proteins in a
sample separating by their molecular weight. By using this technique, we will be able to view the
protein profiles of the various samples and determine the similarities. In proteomic research, a
technique known as Western Blotting is used to then verify the specific protein.
In our scenario, our friend Bonnie disappeared from the North Atlantic after sending us a
photo of a mysterious creature. After showing some of the locals the photo many commented that
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