Protein Folding

Goal:

Model how the intermolecular forces between amino acids cause proteins to fold in predictable shapes. Hypothesize how the structure of the folded protein might contribute to its function.

Agenda:
Warmup
ACT Reading
Protein Folding Activity
Revised CER

Warmup
Create a new journal entry entitled "Protein Folding."
Copy down WHAT we are learning today.
Write a CER to answer the question: What structural features of a polypeptide most contribute to protein folding? Explain.

ACT Reading
Read and answer the questions to this ACT practice passage.

Protein Folding Activity
Follow the directions in this document to complete the protein folding activity. Then answer the following questions in your science journal:

1. Take a picture of your folded protein and explain how you arrived at this shape.  Use the words secondary and tertiary and include a discussion of R-group properties (such as charge etc.)
2. What step needs to occur next before the protein can be considered “complete”?
3. Imagine for a moment your protein has a “job.”  Be creative and explain how it’s shape might help it do it’s job.  Refer back to the 9 types of proteins  for ideas.

Revised CER
Use what you learned in the protein folding activity and the ACT reading to revise your CER from the beginning of class.