April’s Post

Hey again…sorry for the tardiness on this post. I once again forgot that saving the post did not actually publish it to the general public and viewing.

The semester is winding down and much still remains to be done! Despite it having been a fast paced experience, much has been accomplished. I have fully familiarized myself with the synthesis of the sulfmyoglobin complex. This was one of the crucial objectives of my research this semester; since all the future experiments depend on me being able to properly synthesize this hemeprotein derivative, at any concentration whatsoever. I successfully synthesized sulfmyoglobin at various concentrations, from 10μM to 25μM. Although, these concentrations may appear to be miniscule; for purposes of UV-VIS spectroscopy; they are more than enough.

It was very important for me to synthesize sulfmyoglobin depending on the purpose that I was trying to fulfill. In my case UV-VIS spectroscopy required small concentrations; if I used high concentrations, the optical eye of the spectrophotometer would saturate completely, flatlining my spectrum (happened to me more than once!).

Regretfully, I was not able to crystallize sulf-Mb this semester. Why? Well as with every experiment, various pieces of data are needed. In order to crystallize, the constant of molar extinction was needed, including absolute control of the parameters that I had named in my previous posts. So, for the moment crystallization will be held off until the beginning of the autumn 2008 semester.

This experience has been very enriching and academically challenging. One of the hardest things I faced was the issue of time; being able to juggle between classes and research is no easy task. Also, being able to propose the right amount of goals is very difficult. What I mean is that you should take into account how much can be accomplished in the given amount of time. At times one may get anxious and excited about the future goals of their research; careful steps must be taken in order to not jeopardize the safety and proper documentation of all laboratory work. It has been very hard to control my desires to plunge forward into these experiments; although this feeling is good, you need to learn to crawl before learning to crystallize sulfmyoglobin

For that reason, this semester’s research was based solely upon understanding the spectroscopic properties of myoglobin and sulfmyoglobin. I have been able to familiarize myself with the laboratory setting, thus next semester I will be able to begin my first experiments with the sulfmyoglobin hemeprotein.

At the moment I am learning how to measure the levels of the sulfur ion in the sulfMb synthesis reaction. I have not begun experimenting, since I am still learning how to use the Free Radical Analyzer. Hopefully, by the end of this semester I will have begun studying the kinematics of the sulfmyoglobin synthesis reaction; while varying the different levels of hydrogen sulfide added to this. Once I begin concrete experiments; and have concrete data; I will explain this more in detail.

Next semester I hope to begin studying the kinematics of the sulf-Mb synthesis reaction. This will aid me in gaining a quantitative perspective of the sulf Mb reaction. I hope to be able to write more soon!

~ by chrismolini on April 28, 2008.