The Chemistry of Proteins
The Chemistry of Proteins
Written for the eighth grade level, concentrates on amino acids, peptide bonds, and the three-dimensional structures of proteins. Students will learn to download protein coordinates from the Protein Data Bank and to use specialized graphics programs to display individual proteins. The concepts of enzymes are taught in context of molecular diseases such as galactosemia and phenylketonuria (PKU). By the end of this module, students will understand the importance of essential amino acids, dietary needs, and the terms associated with protein structure. By studying the chemistries of sugars, fats, and proteins, students ultimately will be able to make informed choices on which foods they eat by applying scientific reasoning.