Purification and Size Determination of GFP/BFP Kit (EDVO-Kit 255)

Students use Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to identify the localization and function of proteins in cells.

GFP has been isolated and cloned from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria for this kit. The protein gives a green fluorescent glow under a long UV light, and it has been used as a tag to follow proteins in cells. In this experiment, the unique fluorescent property of GFP is used as an assay during its purification from an E. coli extract. Column fractions that contain GFP are identified by green fluorescence. As an optional activity, purified protein fractions can be submitted to denaturing SDS polyacrylamide gel analysis to estimate the purity and size of the GFP protein.

This kit includes material for six groups sharing three gels. Vertical gel electrophoresis apparatus, a power supply, 5—50 μL micropipets, and polyacrylamide gels are required but not included.