A Self-Assisting Protein Folding Model for Teaching Structural Molecular Biology.

ABSTRACT: Structural molecular biology is now becoming part of high school science curriculum thus posing a challenge for teachers who need to convey three-dimensional (3D) structures with conventional text and pictures. In many cases even interactive computer graphics does not go far enough to address these challenges. We have developed a flexible model of the polypeptide backbone using 3D printing technology. With this model we have produced a polypeptide assembly kit to create an idealized model of the Triosephosphate isomerase mutase enzyme (TIM), which forms a structure known as TIM barrel. This kit has been used in a laboratory practical where students perform a step-by-step investigation into the nature of protein folding, starting with the handedness of amino acids to the formation of second

SUBMITTER: Davenport J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5490835 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature