Amino Acid Starter Kit©

Photo:Amino Acid Starter Kit

Teaching Points View Document as PDF

Students explore the shape and chemical properties of the 20 amino acid sidechains with engaging foam models. The sidechains feature dual coloring schemes - color on one side indicates chemical properties and on the other side students color-code atoms. Since understanding protein structure begins with this unique combination of shape and chemical properties of the amino acid sidechains, students will gain a basic knowledge of the laws that determine protein folding.

Protein folding is influenced by several factors, one of which is the chemical properties of the amino acid sidechains. Through this exercise, students will explore the chemical properties that dictate the way a protein will fold. A flexible, foam-covered wire represents the backbone of the peptide to which the foam sidechains are attached.

Models in this Collection (Classroom Set)

  • 6 Amino Acid Starter Kits©
  • Amino Acid Starter Kit© CD

Model Details

  • Amino Acid Starter Kit©
    • 1 magnetic chemical properties circle
    • 1 laminated amino acid chart
    • 22 magnetic amino acid sidechains (1 of each amino acid, plus 1 additional cysteine and histidine)
    • 1 four-foot Mini-Toober©
    • 15 metal Mini-Toober© clips
    • 2 Mini-Toober© endcaps
    • CPK coloring dots
    • 6 hydrogen bond connectors
  • Amino Acid Starter Kit© CD
    • Jmol tutorials folder
    • Word documents folder
    • Images folder
    • PDF files with documentation
      • AASK Introduction and Contents
      • AASK Standard Genetic Code
      • AASK Student Handout 1
      • AASK Student Handout 1 key
      • AASK Student Handout 2
      • AASK Student Handout 2 key
      • AASK Teacher Notes
      • AASK Toober Variations
      • AASK Toober Variations key
      • Tertiary and Quaternary Protein Structure

Documentation Included