Cation Exchange Chromatography in the Yeast Cytochrome C Purification Lab

The Cytochrome C Purification Lab introduces valuable purification techniques that biochemistry students will continue to encounter throughout the course of their studies. Students enrolled in Intermediate Biochemistry (CHEM-258) at Denison University are introduced to a series of purification methods including Cation Exchange Chromatography which is a common technique used to separate or concentrate biomolecules based on their charge. Without adequate preparation, students are often confused about the aims of the lab, preventing them from learning the chemistry behind the experiment. As a result pre-labs are an essential part of the students' learning experience. The project included a 3D animation that was meant to enhance the learning of the process and principles of Cation Exchange Chromatography. Shown above is a resin or an insoluble substance containing loosely held exchangeable charged ions. The resin is washed with a variety of buffer solutions and in this case, it is being washed with a buffer solution which prepares the resin to target the molecule of interest during the purification process. The animation enabled the students to view the molecular changes that occur when preparing for the process of Cation Exchange Chromatography.