Meet Professor Cathy Drennan, whose research focuses on a protein inside microorganisms and how it converts carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change, into energy.
Students investigate the relationship between proteins and amino acids digested in the small intestine while examining overall cell structure and function.
The human genome project was established to determine the sequence of DNA bases that are found in each human cell. Understanding what the resulting proteins do is an entirely different project. This page is about how we are trying to understand what the human genome means, and includes animations, pictures, video, biographical information, and quiz questions that are accessed by clicking on buttons along the bottom.
In this visualization adapted from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, discover the role that dengue viral proteins play in a human cell as the virus prepares to replicate.
This narrated screencast explains the role enzymes play in cellular metabolism. [4:42]
Get it all straight! The "Tour of the Basics" will help clarify the basic principals of genetics science from DNA, genes, chromosomes, proteins, heredity, and traits.
In Blazing a Genetic Trail, by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, follow this three-step approach to treating genetic diseases.
This video segment adapted from NOVA illustrates why carbon is at the center of life on Earth. It also asks whether carbon-based life might exist on other planets. [1:38]
Learn about the structure and function of RNA in the body.
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This pathway provides an overview of biological macromolecules and their properties. The resources in this pathway can be used to introduce or review the structure and function of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. For a deeper look at this topic, we recommend the pathway Biological Macromolecules from the OpenStax textbook Biology for AP® Courses.
This Protein Purification video lesson is intended to give students some insight into the process and tools that scientists and engineers use to explore proteins. It is designed to extend the knowledge of students who are already somewhat sophisticated and who have a good understanding of basic biology. [17:13]
In this activity, students interact with 12 models to observe emergent phenomena as molecules assemble themselves. Investigate the factors that are important to self-assembly, including shape and polarity. Try to assemble a monolayer by "pushing" the molecules to the substrate (it's not easy!). Rotate complex molecules to view their structure. Finally, create your own nanostructures by selecting molecules, adding charges to them, and observing the results of self-assembly.
These Fizzy's Lunch Lab videos and related lesson plan provide an informative overview of food and nutrition topics with an emphasis on protein. Using these materials, students will understand the role of protein in their health including how our bodies get and use protein and foods that provide this powerful nutrient. [4:02]
Provides detailed explanation of DNA's structure and function. Includes illustrations.
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
All cells, organs and tissues of a living organism are built of molecules. Some of them are small, made from only a few atoms. There is, however, a special class of molecules that make up and play critical roles in living cells. These molecules can consist of many thousands to millions of atoms. They are referred to as macromolecules (or large biomolecules).
Understandable lessons about numerous aspects about the composition, function, and interactions of proteins. Each starts with an interactive quiz and links to a tutorial.
This interactive illustrates the steps of the Western blot technique that allows us
to visualize proteins with the help of specific antibodies.
A detailed overview of the circulatory system, including plasma and proteins. Designed as lesson plans, this site can be helpful for students as well.