Minute protein functional evaluation method null of minute

摘要

PURPOSE: To observe the protein function precisely by arranging a two-dimensional aggregate of protein particles on an electron microscope grid and bringing the aggregate into contact with reaction liquid and then observing the reaction of protein. CONSTITUTION: Ferritin is used as a protein for attracting and growing a reaction product of protein and observing the quantity thereof. Two-dimensional aggregate of ferritin is scooped by means of the grid of electron microscope coated with carbon. The grid is set in a reaction liquid containing divalent iron and then the solution is removed in order to observe the grid by means of the electron microscope. The iron capturing reaction is inspected for three kinds of ferritin of high, intermediate and low activities. The aggregate is transferred from a large two-dimensional aggregate to a large number of grids and observed while varying the reaction time. The number of ferritin molecules blackened by capturing iron is counted within a predetermined area. It can be ascertained that the ferritin having high activity is captured quickly. This method realizes highly accurate observation and evaluation of protein function in a micro area.