Introduction

In molecular biology, a common way to test the function of a protein or other cellular component is by "knocking it out." Cells are somehow blocked from producing the protein and the resulting phenotype gives you an indication as to what the function of that protein is. For example, if the cell has membrane abnormalities, you have a clue that the protein may help to form the cell membrane. This is the traditional "Knockout" experiment: an abnormal result gives you a clue about the normal function. In this activity, you'll apply this same principle to determine the function of each of the knee ligaments.