Protein Differences in Muscles and
Related Effects on Their Mechanical Properties
Name: Ludovic
Vincent
Class: BE 210
Full Text
Hypothesis:
Striated muscle abundant in myosin will exhibit greater
ultimate strength under uniaxial loading than smooth muscle as a result of
protein composition.
Experimental Goals
- To
quantify the quantity of muscle motor proteins (myosin in particular) in
mammalian muscle using gel electrophoresis and image analysis.
- To
determine if the mechanical strength (ultimate strength in particular) of
various muscle types loaded uniaxially depends on the chemical composition
of the tissues.
Educational Goals
- Integrate
gel electrophoresis experience and knowledge to identify specific proteins
through image analysis.
- Understand
how proteins and related biochemical functions affect cell mechanical
properties.
- Apply bioengineering concepts of mechanical and
material properties to biological processes.