Effective Ways to Make Western Blotting Approachable to Students!

Western blotting is a method for identifying a specific protein with the help of blotting paper in a sample that contains other proteins. Each western blot experiment uses a specific antibody against a particular protein.

These antibodies attach to the target protein and aid in its later quantification. The study method known as western blotting is widely used in molecular biology, immunology, and allied sciences. Western blotting is essential for students who want to work in these fields. However, novice students learning about it could find the lessons frightening. Fortunately, there are numerous approaches to making it more interesting and approachable.

Here are five suggestions for educators to make the subject more engaging based on students' challenges when learning about Western blotting. Each item of guidance addresses a specific issue that students encounter.

Explore Real-World Applications

HIV-AIDS diagnosis can be made via Western blotting. The method is specifically used to look for HIV antibodies. A positive Western blot would show the patient is HIV-positive since there would be many antibodies if the patient had many viruses in their body. Students can understand this subject more deeply if they recognize this important use of Western blotting.

Students Mastered the Basics

Before studying Western blotting, students must have a solid grasp of some crucial foundational ideas. Here are some foundational concepts that students need to comprehend this subject and blotting paper as well.

Protein

All living cells produce proteins, which are the basis of life. The tens of thousands of different types of human proteins are all made up of the same 20 amino acids. A polypeptide comprises many amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. A polypeptide, however, is not the same as a protein. One or more polypeptides that have been accurately folded into a certain molecular structure make up a functional protein, not just a single polypeptide chain. The function of a protein is determined by its particular structure.

Protein Visualization

The most popular Western blotting detection method is chemiluminescence. In chemiluminescence detection, an enzyme-linked secondary antibody is employed to transform a substrate to one that produces light emission. The light emission is captured on photographic film or by a camera. The Western blot result is regarded as semi-quantitative since it offers a comparative analysis of protein levels rather than an exact quantity calculation. Thicker bands show higher protein concentrations.

People Behind the Scene

W. Neal Burnette invented Western blotting in 1980. He created the method while working with retroviruses at the Fred Hutch in Seattle. He sent an article to the Analytical Biochemistry journal, which first turned it down. But because it was so well-received by molecular biologists at the time, Burnette's study was eventually published by the journal.

Perform the Methods Used in The Lab

Students with no background in molecular biology could find this subject intimidating. It's crucial to use the real experience to boost their confidence. It is beneficial to have students practice Western blotting methods with the help of blotting paper. Students will be prepared to manage actual lab experiments once they master the fundamental methods. They will be more comfortable carrying out Western blotting tests because they are already familiar with standard procedures.

Therefore, these are a few practical ways to make western blotting more approachable to students.