Lesson plan of Biochemistry: Proteins

Objectives (5-7 minutes)

1. Understand the concept of proteins: The instructor will thoroughly explain proteins, their basic structure, and their importance for the functioning of the body. This includes how proteins are formed from amino acids and how the sequence of amino acids determines the function of a protein.

2. Identify types of proteins: Students should be able to identify various common types of proteins such as enzymes, hormones, antibodies, nutrient transporters, and structural proteins. The instructor will show examples of each type and explain their functions in the body.

3. Understand the importance of protein in diet: The instructor should explain why proteins are a crucial component of the human and animal diet and how they are digested and absorbed by the body. Students should understand proteins are necessary for building and repairing body tissue, producing enzymes and hormones, and for the proper functioning of the immune system.

Secondary Objectives:

• Encourage active student participation: The instructor will encourage students to ask questions, share their ideas, and participate in discussions. This may be achieved through direct questioning, group activities, and presentations.

• Apply the acquired knowledge: Students should be able to apply their new knowledge about proteins to real-world scenarios after class. For example, they may be able to identify good sources of protein in their diet or understand how a protein deficiency could affect their health and well-being.

Introduction (10-15 minutes)

1. Review of previous material: The instructor should begin the class by reviewing basic biochemical concepts necessary for understanding proteins such as the structure of atoms, how chemical bonds are formed, and the difference between macromolecules and simple molecules. This review may be interactive and include asking students questions and having brief discussions to check comprehension.

2. Problem scenarios: The instructor may then introduce two problem scenarios to get students interested in the material. The first could be the question of how the body repairs itself after an injury, and the second could be the question of how our bodies get the energy to perform physical activities. The instructor could ask the students what they think happens and how proteins might be involved.

3. Contextualization: The instructor should explain that proteins are essential molecules for life, found in every living thing from bacteria to humans. They may mention that proteins are involved in almost every biological process from digesting your food to replicating DNA. Additionally, the instructor may explain that proteins have practical importance in our lives and are used in many common products like processed foods, medicines, and building materials.

4. Grab student attention: To get the students’ attention, the instructor may share two fun facts about proteins. The first is that proteins are the most diverse and complex molecules in the human body, and the sequence of amino acids in a protein is unique to each person like a fingerprint. The second is that some proteins have incredibly specialized and unusual jobs, such as a spider’s silk protein that is stronger than steel or an octopus protein that can change its color.

Development (20-25 minutes)

1. Lecture: Protein Structure and Classification (10-12 minutes)

   • The instructor should explain that proteins are macromolecules made up of one or more chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
   • Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary protein structure should be introduced. The instructor may use 3-D models of proteins to illustrate these concepts.
   • The instructor will then move into protein classification and explain that proteins may be classified by their shape (globular or fibrous) or by their function (enzymes, hormones, transporters, etc.).
   • The instructor should show examples of each type of protein and explain their function briefly.

2. Activity: Protein Model Building Activity (10-12 minutes)

   • The instructor should divide the class into smaller groups and provide each group with a protein model building kit. These kits usually come with different colored and shaped pieces that represent amino acids.
   • The instructor should then give each group an amino acid sequence and challenge them to create the corresponding protein following the rules of peptide bonding and the structural features of the protein.
   • The instructor should circulate the room while the groups are working, observing their progress, answering questions, and providing guidance when needed.

3. Lecture: Functions of Proteins (5-7 minutes)

   • The instructor should review the general functions of proteins (building and repairing tissue, making enzymes and hormones, transporting substances, etc.) and then go into more detail about some specific functions, such as how enzymes work to speed up biochemical reactions, and how antibodies help defend against pathogens.
   • The instructor should provide real-world examples of situations when a deficiency or malfunction of a protein can lead to disease or health conditions so that the students can see the importance of a balanced protein intake.

4. Activity: Class Discussion about Dietary Sources of Protein (5-7 minutes)

   • The instructor should lead a class discussion about good sources of protein in the human diet. Students should be encouraged to share their experiences and knowledge, as well as raise questions about the quality and quantity of protein in different types of food.
   • The instructor should then provide evidence-based information on dietary protein recommendations, the benefits and risks of various sources of protein, and the environmental and ethical implications of consuming animal-based protein.

Review (8-10 minutes)

1. Review of Main Concepts (3-5 minutes)

   • The instructor will quickly review the key concepts covered in the class, reinforcing the importance of proteins to life and health, the structure and classification of proteins, and the major roles of proteins in the body.
   • To review, the instructor may ask students direct questions to have them summarize the concepts in their own words or ask them to make connections between the various concepts they learned.

2. Connection to Real-World Examples (2-3 minutes)

   • The instructor will then explain how the concepts learned in the class apply to the real world. For example, understanding protein structure and function is crucial for drug development and therapies, or how making choices about a high-protein diet can affect your health and well-being.
   • The instructor may mention careers or areas of research involving the study of proteins, such as medicine, nutrition, biotechnology, and bioinformatics, and encourage the students to consider them as possible future paths.

3. Reflection on Learning (2-3 minutes)

   • The instructor will have students take some time to reflect on what they learned in class. The instructor can ask questions like “What was the most important concept you learned today?,” “What questions still remain unanswered?” and “How might you apply what you learned to your own life?”
   • Students should be encouraged to share their thoughts and questions, and reflect on how relevant the material is to their life and future. The instructor should listen to students’ answers carefully, valuing their input and clarifying any misconceptions they may have.

4. Instructor Feedback (1 minute)

   • The instructor should thank the students for their participation and effort and encourage them to continue studying and learning about the topic. They may emphasize the importance of student feedback in the ongoing improvement of their teaching and ask them to share any suggestions or comments they may have for the next class.
   • The instructor should ensure students that their thoughts and questions are valued and that they are available to help them further understand the content both in and outside of the classroom setting.

Conclusion (5-7 minutes)

1. Summary of Key Content (2-3 minutes)

   • The instructor will summarize the major points covered during the class, revisiting the importance of proteins to life, the structure and classification of proteins, and the major roles of proteins in the body.
   • They may recall major conclusions or insights that came up during the hands-on activities and class discussions, and note any lingering questions that were not fully addressed.

2. Connecting Theory, Practice, and Application (1-2 minutes)

   • The instructor should explain how the class connected theory (concepts about proteins) with practice (protein model building) and application (discussing how proteins are important in the diet and for health).
   • They may reinforce that understanding theory is crucial for doing practical activities and understanding real-world applications of the knowledge, and that practice and application help you solidify and enhance your understanding of theory.

3. Extension Materials (1-2 minutes)

   • The instructor should suggest additional materials for students to explore if they are interested in learning more. These may include textbooks, journal articles, videos, websites, educational games, etc.
   • For example, the instructor could suggest that students do further research about the structure of proteins, the functions different proteins have in the body, sources of protein in the human diet, or the ethical and environmental implications of consuming animal-based proteins.

4. Relevance to Everyday Life (1 minute)

   • Finally, the instructor will wrap up by summarizing how the topic is significant to everyday life. For example, the instructor could explain that understanding proteins can help you make more informed decisions about your diet and health, or that knowledge about proteins could be useful in a variety of careers and fields of study like medicine, nutrition, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and more.
   • The instructor will emphasize that learning is not limited to the classroom and that curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge are valuable skills that can and should be applied in all areas of life.