Purification of Pectinesterase

The Purification of Pectinesterase from Russet Potatoes

Presenter: Sage Cruz-Legarda

Co-Presenter(s):
Madison Valencia

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Monica Lares

Department: Chemistry

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hbmQKWXpYEk1Eqs6Hhol7_2DnVUx1yXd

Abstract:
Our research project focused on constructing an experiment to carry out the purification of a protein. Specifically, we chose to purify pectinesterase from russet potatoes. Pectin is the source for pectinesterase which is found in many fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, citrus fruits, and apples. Pectin functions in plant growth, morphology, development, and plant defense. Pectinesterase is widely distributed in microorganisms and plants and plays an important role in cell wall metabolism. It speeds up the de-esterification of esters of polygalacturonic acid polymers (pectin) to overall produce methanol and pectate. Our goal was to carry out multiple purification steps in order to successfully isolate pectinesterase from russet potatoes.