Science Olympiad Protein Modeling Event

Protein Modeling is an event developed by the CBM for the National Science Olympiad. This event challenges students to explore protein structure/function by creating 3-dimensional models of proteins using Mini-Toobers, foam-covered wire that will hold its shape once folded.

For 2012, students will model proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis as they explore the discovery and treatment of a rare (one in a billion) genetic trait discovered through genome sequencing.

This event has three parts:

1. Prebuild (40% of score) - teams will construct a model of a selected protein. The model is to be impounded the day of the competition and will be brought to each competition.

2. Onsite Build (30% of score) - teams will construct a model of a selected protein during the competition.

3. Exam (30% of score) - teams will answer multiple choice and short answer questions regarding protein structure/function.

For a complete overview of the event, please click here.

For specific details regarding protein selection for the 2012 competition, please click here.

How to get started:

1. Learn about protein structure. The CBM has developed a tutorial to guide you through the basic concepts of protein chemistry.

2. Explore the molecular story of the proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis and investigate the discovery and treatment of a rare disease diagnosed through genomic sequencing.

- Read the Pulitzer Prize winning series "One in a Billion" from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

- Read David Goodsell's RCSB Molecule of the Month features

Caspases
MHC

- Visit the CBM's Module on the Molecular Story of XIAP.

3. Learn how to use the computer visualization program, Jmol. This is the computer interface you will see at the tournaments.

4. Learn how to translate the image you created using Jmol from the computer screen to the toober, generating your physical model of the protein. Visit our model gallery to see examples of models.