My favorite lab from Biochemistry I involved determining the type of inhibition the molecule thiourea exhibits on tyrosinase using kinetic assays of the enzyme with and without the inhibitor. In this lab, I learned how to plot and analyze self-collected data using Lineweaver-Burke and Michaelis-Menton plots and interpret the results based on the mathematical properties of these graphs.

 

I enjoyed making predictions about the inhibitory properties of thiourea by examining its structure compared to tyrosinase's usual substrate and active site conformation. Moving forward as a student, understanding how to make predictions, even if they are wrong, is an important aspect of research. Having the opportunity to work at the bench and collect my own data has solidified my interests in biochemistry techniques as a tool for research.