
Sometimes, it's the little things
Regular protein structures reoccur throughout nature because they are within the physical constraints imposed on amino acid rotation and have repeated, strengthing bonds.
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This 30-minute activity asks students to build various dipeptides and test their rotation with stick or space fill models.
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How to recognize common amino acid representations
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How to estimate the space filled by an electron cloud
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How to build peptides
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What are constraints on peptide bond angles
Where's the data?
Want to know if the activity is effective? We did too. Check out our peer-reviewed publication here.
The Models
The Activity
This 30-minute activity is designed to be completed in class, in groups.
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We recommend a printed version only for small classes and a combination of printed and interactive online activity for large classes.
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Activity learning goals:
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Recognize a variety of molecular representations
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Identify space filled by an amino acid
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Identify features of the peptide backbone
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Understand constraints on peptide bond angles.
Access Online Interactive Activity
Looking for Assessment Questions?
Or activity answer keys? Our data suggests that students will perform better on typical biochemistry test questions regarding protein structure after doing this activity. However, Dr. Roston is happy to provide assessment questions and answer keys.
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