Protein Folding

Proteins fold in the aqueous environment of the cell. The Amino Acid Starter Kit© focuses on how the chemical properties of the amino acid sidechains impact protein folding. This kit focuses on how primary structure plays a key role in determining tertiary structure, but the kit can be used to demonstrate secondary and quaternary structure. Jmol tutorials allow students to explore how actual proteins follow these chemical principles, and Jumbled Jmols allow students to test their knowledge in identifying which proteins are properly folded and which are jumbled. The Alpha Helix/Beta Sheet Construction Kit allows students to explore two common secondary structures, the alpha helix and the anti-parallel beta pleated sheet.

::Amino Acid Starter Kit©

Documentation

• Introduction and Contents
• Teacher Notes
• Sidechain List
• Standard Genetic Code
• Student Handout 1

• Student Handout 1 Key
• Student Handout 2
• Student Handout 2 Key
• Toober Variations
• Toober Variations Key
• Protein Modeling With Specific DNA Sequences (developed by Lisa Brosnick)

Sources for Amino Acid Starter Kit©

• Available for loan from MSOE Model Lending Library
• Available for purchase from 3D Molecular Designs

::Jmol tutorials

• Basic Principles of Chemistry that Drive Protein Folding
• Basic Principles of Chemistry that Drive Protein Folding, Part 2
• Jumbled Jmols

::Animation of Principles of Chemistry that Drive Protein Folding
(Be patient; this takes some time to load.)

::Alpha Helix/Beta Sheet Construction Kit

Documentation

• α-Helix and β-Sheet Construction Kit Teaching Points
• Activities for the α-Helix and β-Sheet Construction Kit
• Modeling Helix A of the β-Globin Protein
• Modeling a β-Sheet of Green Fluorescent Protein

Available for Loan from MSOE Model Lending Library