Rheostat or Toggle: Examining the role of non-conserved mutations to LURE students into research

Abstract

There is a growing movement to involve undergraduate students in authentic research experiences. A variety of studies have indicated the strength of this approach in developing scientific aptitude, confidence, critical thinking skills and likelihood to become career scientists. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide the opportunity to lure students into legitimate research at both primarily undergraduate and large research institutions. Here, we describe how to use a CURE-based biochemistry lab course to explore the role of conserved and non-conserved amino-acid sites in structure and function of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH).