We find that in science, it is hard to fully grasp a real life concept when it is shown to us only in two dimensions. We live in a three dimensional world! Why are we learning how things work only in 2D? We visualized our project with 3D models and made animations so that anyone of the general public could watch the videos, understand and get excited about the science behind our project.

Above is a typical textbook representation of the protein, apoferritin. From this 2D representation, personally we find it difficult to gauge the actual structure and shape of the protein. Since the shape of the protein is essential to its function, why do we limit ourselves to such a primitive 2D drawing?

Below is an interactive 3D model of apoferritin. Through 3D technology, you can gain a better appreciation of the shape, contours and therefore function of the protein.

SDS PAGE is a technique used to separate proteins by their molecular weight. Within a sample, there are multiple different types of protein. If we wanted to study a specific one, we would have to separate the different types first and isolate our desired protein.

Figure 1, A rendered visualization of what a protein sample may look like through SEM

As a quick overview, proteins are first denatured and linearized by SDS after being suspended in a protein sample loading buffer. Additionally, the SDS coats proteins with a negative charge. Immediately after denaturation, proteins are loaded into the wells of a polyacrylamide gel and an electric current is passed through it. The negatively charged proteins are pulled through the gel and migrate towards the electrode. The model you see here is an example of a binding site for SDS in mammalian apoferritin. SDS binds to multiple sites such as these and along with a heat treatment, plays a role in linearizing the proteins. Often, heat treatment is skipped all together and proteins are completely denatured using only the detergent, SDS.