Unlocking Proteins: The Building Blocks of Life

Biology Grades High School 5:53 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of proteins, their amino acid building blocks, and their vital roles in biological processes. This lesson uses a Khan Academy video to explain protein structure and function.

Video Resource

Introduction to proteins and amino acids | High school biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 5:53
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Proteins are large biomolecules (macromolecules) essential for life.
  • Amino acids are the building blocks (monomers) of proteins.
  • Polypeptide chains are polymers of amino acids that fold into complex protein structures.
  • Protein structure determines its function.
  • Proteins have diverse functions: structural, mechanical, enzymatic, immune, and signaling.

Learning Objectives

  • Define proteins and amino acids and explain their relationship.
  • Describe the hierarchical structure of proteins, from amino acids to polypeptide chains to functional proteins.
  • Identify the diverse functions of proteins in biological systems.
  • Explain how the R-group of amino acids contributes to protein diversity.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about proteins (e.g., from food labels, bodybuilding). Briefly introduce the Khan Academy video and its focus on protein structure and function.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Introduction to proteins and amino acids | High school biology | Khan Academy". Instruct students to take notes on key terms and concepts.
  • Discussion and Clarification (10 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion to review the video's content. Address any questions or areas of confusion. Emphasize the key concepts listed above.
  • Amino Acid Structure Activity (10 mins)
    Have students draw a generalized amino acid structure, labeling the amino group, carboxyl group, central carbon, and R-group. Discuss how the R-group varies among different amino acids and contributes to protein diversity.
  • Protein Function Examples (10 mins)
    Present specific examples of protein functions (e.g., enzymes, antibodies, structural proteins) and discuss how their structure enables those functions. You can use visuals or short animations to illustrate these examples.
  • Assessment (5 mins)
    Administer the multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Protein Structure Modeling
    Use online protein databases (e.g., Protein Data Bank) to visualize 3D protein structures. Allow students to manipulate the models and identify different structural elements (e.g., alpha-helices, beta-sheets).
  • Enzyme-Substrate Interaction Simulation
    Use interactive simulations to demonstrate how enzymes bind to substrates and catalyze reactions. This will help students visualize the importance of protein structure in enzyme function.

Discussion Questions

  • Why are proteins considered macromolecules?
  • How does the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain affect the final protein structure?
  • What are some of the diverse roles that proteins play in the body?
  • How does the structure of an enzyme relate to its function?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Information synthesis
  • Scientific communication
  • Visual literacy
  • Model building

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What are the building blocks of proteins?

Correct Answer: Amino acids

Question 2:

What is a polypeptide?

Correct Answer: A chain of amino acids

Question 3:

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?

Correct Answer: Storing genetic information

Question 4:

What part of an amino acid differentiates it from other amino acids?

Correct Answer: The R-group (side chain)

Question 5:

What is the name for proteins that catalyze biological reactions?

Correct Answer: Enzymes

Question 6:

Which level of protein structure refers to the sequence of amino acids?

Correct Answer: Primary

Question 7:

The chaperonin protein is known for:

Correct Answer: Assisting other proteins in folding correctly

Question 8:

The type of bond that holds amino acids together is called a:

Correct Answer: Peptide bond

Question 9:

Proteins are involved in which of the following biological processes?

Correct Answer: All of the above

Question 10:

What makes proteins incredibly diverse?

Correct Answer: The sequence of amino acids

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Proteins are large biological molecules also known as __________.

Correct Answer: macromolecules

Question 2:

The monomers that make up proteins are called __________ __________.

Correct Answer: amino acids

Question 3:

A chain of amino acids linked together is called a __________ chain.

Correct Answer: polypeptide

Question 4:

__________ are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in biological systems.

Correct Answer: enzymes

Question 5:

The __________ group of an amino acid is what makes each amino acid unique.

Correct Answer: R

Question 6:

The process where your muscles contract involves __________ and myosin proteins interacting with each other.

Correct Answer: actin

Question 7:

Amino acids contain a __________ group and a carboxyl group.

Correct Answer: amine

Question 8:

Proteins play a __________ role by providing structures like collagen.

Correct Answer: structural

Question 9:

Proteins can be used to send signals from one part of the body to another or can be __________ on cells that receive signals.

Correct Answer: receptors

Question 10:

The chaperonin proteins function by helping other proteins get their correct __________ .

Correct Answer: shape

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.6:Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.

Teaching Materials

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