Contextualization

In the world of biology, one of the most fundamental building blocks of life is the biomolecule known as protein. Composed of a chain of amino acids, proteins are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. They are involved in almost every aspect of our bodily functions, from the formation of our hair and nails to the transport of oxygen in our blood to the defense against foreign invaders in our immune system.

Proteins are classified into different types, including structural proteins, enzymes, antibodies, and hormones. Each type of protein has a distinct structure and function, but all follow the same basic building principle: the amino acid chain, or polypeptide, folds and twists into a unique three-dimensional shape that determines its role in the body.

Understanding the structure and function of proteins is not only a key concept in biology, but it also has significant implications in fields such as medicine, nutrition, and biotechnology. For example, many diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's, are caused by proteins that do not fold correctly and function properly. By understanding the specific protein involved, researchers can develop targeted treatments. In nutrition, proteins are crucial for growth and repair, and understanding their structure can help in designing optimal diets. In biotechnology, proteins are used in various processes, from the production of biofuels to the development of new drugs.

Introduction

Proteins, along with carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, are one of the four major types of biomolecules that make up all living organisms. They are formed from a specific sequence of amino acids, each of which is coded for by a specific sequence of DNA in our genes. The sequence of amino acids determines the protein's structure, and its structure determines its function.

In this project, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of proteins. You will learn about their structure, how they are formed, and their various functions in the body. You will also learn about the importance of proteins in our daily lives, from the food we eat to the medicines we take. This project will not only enhance your knowledge of biology but also develop your research, teamwork, and creative thinking skills.

We have provided resources to help you navigate through this exciting journey. Use these resources as a starting point for your research, but do not hesitate to explore further and discover new things about proteins. Remember, science is about exploring the unknown, so be curious, be creative, and have fun!

Resources

1. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics - A comprehensive book by Arthur M. Lesk, providing an in-depth understanding of protein structure and function.

2. Proteins - A series of video lessons on proteins and amino acids from Khan Academy, an excellent resource for visual learners.

3. Protein Structure and Function - A detailed article from Nature Education, offering an easy-to-understand explanation of protein structure and function.

4. The Protein Database (PDB) - A valuable resource for exploring the three-dimensional structures of proteins.

5. Proteins: The Building Blocks of Life - A fascinating TED-Ed video that provides an engaging introduction to proteins.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Exploring Proteins: Building, Modeling, and Understanding

Objective of the Project:

To understand key concepts about proteins, including their structure, function, and the relationship between their structure and function. Students will also learn about the importance of proteins in everyday life, from nutrition to medicine.

Detailed Description of the Project:

In this project, students will work in teams of 3 to 5 to build a model of a protein and present its structure, function, and importance in a real-life context. The model can be built using everyday materials like beads, craft wire, and pipe cleaners. The teams will also have to research and prepare a presentation that outlines the protein's structure, function, and relevance in real-world applications, such as nutrition, medicine, and biotechnology.

Necessary Materials:

• Beads (different colors to represent different amino acids)
• Craft wire
• Pipe cleaners
• Paper and markers for creating diagrams and posters
• Access to the internet for research
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.) for creating the final presentation

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

Step 1: Introduction and Research (Approximately 1 hour)

The students should start by reading the provided resources and conducting further research on the assigned protein. Each team should choose a protein to work on, ensuring that every team works on a different protein.

Step 2: Protein Model Building (Approximately 2 hours)

Using the materials provided, the teams should start building their protein model. Each bead should represent one amino acid, and the craft wire and pipe cleaners should represent the peptide bonds that hold the amino acids together.

Step 3: Presentation Preparation (Approximately 2 hours)

While building the protein model, the teams should also start preparing their presentation. The presentation should include the following sections:

• Introduction: Briefly explain what proteins are and why they are important. Also, mention the chosen protein and why it was selected.

• Structure: Describe the structure of the protein, focusing on the sequence of amino acids and how they fold and twist to form a unique 3D structure. Include a diagram of the protein model to aid the explanation.

• Function: Discuss the function of the protein, explaining how its structure relates to its function. For example, if the protein is an enzyme, explain how its active site (a specific region on the protein's surface) allows it to catalyze a specific biochemical reaction.

• Real-World Applications: Discuss the protein's importance in everyday life and/or in specific fields like nutrition, medicine, or biotechnology.

Step 4: Presentation (Approximately 30 minutes per team)

Each team will present their model and their findings to the class. Encourage the students to ask questions and engage in a discussion about the presented proteins.

Project Deliveries:

Each team will submit the following:

1. A photograph of their protein model.
2. A copy of their presentation in PDF format.
3. A written document (report) detailing the project, following the structure: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Used Bibliography.

The report should be structured and drafted as follows:

• Introduction: Contextualize the chosen protein, its relevance in real-world applications, and the objective of the project.

• Development: Detail the theory behind proteins, their structure, function, and real-world applications. Describe the activity in detail, including the methodology used and the results obtained. Discuss the findings and what they indicate about the protein's structure and function.

• Conclusion: Revisit the main points of the project, explicitly stating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the protein's structure, function, and real-world applications.

• Bibliography: List all the sources used to complete the project, including the provided resources and any additional sources used for research.

This project will not only assess your understanding of proteins but also your ability to work collaboratively, manage your time effectively, and communicate your findings clearly and effectively. Good luck, and have fun exploring the fascinating world of proteins!