Protein Student Modeling Pack Classroom Resources
Activities and Recommendations
1. Use the Amino Acid Side Chain Chart to identify each side chain.
2. Sort the side chains by their property color. Record your observations of each group.
3. Select 10 side chains (4 yellow hydrophobic, 2 white hydrophilic, 2 green cysteines, 1 red acidic and 1 blue basic), fold and insert into the plastic clips.
4. Evenly distribute these 10 side chains on the mini toober in any random sequence.
5. Fold the toober based on the chemical properties of the side chains. If a side chain falls out of its clip, continue to fold and re-insert the paper into the clip after you have successfully folded the toober.
6. Explore how the colorful substrates interact with the gray enzyme. Take a picture and label each interaction.
Links
Teacher Tips
- You may wish to write names and/or abbreviations on the back of the side chains after you’ve cut them out.
- You may find it easier to insert the folded paper side chains into the colored clips after folding your protein.
- Refer to our Amino Acid Starter Kit© resources for more protein folding activities.
- Refer to our Enzymes in Action Kit© resources for more enzyme modeling instructions.
- Disinfecting Kit
- Contact us with any questions.