Document Type

Paper- Restricted to Campus Access

Publication Date

4-29-2026

Faculty Mentor

Samantha Wilner

Abstract

The topic of our work is the characterization of a protein with a known structure but an unknown function. The Protein Data Bank identification number of our protein is 2QRU, but the function of 2QRU is unknown. The aim of our research was to purify the protein 2QRU from cells, identify the function, and characterize the kinetics of the protein. Here we tried to answer this question using methods for DNA analysis and protein analysis. To verify the genetic identity of the 2QRU expression vector prior to purification, we performed DNA analysis included the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Methods from our protein purification and analysis included affinity chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the Bradford assay, and in silico protein analysis. Will also complete enzyme activity assays to determine the activity of our protein and further characterize the protein’s possible lipolytic activity. These methods resulted in the finding that our protein is around 34 kilodaltons. Taken together, our results suggest we have identified the protein 2QRU, further characterized the activity, and predicted hydrolase activity.

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Presented as part of the Ursinus College Celebration of Student Achievement (CoSA) held April 29, 2026.

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