WHAT IS A PROTEIN?
Name:___________________________
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this worksheet is to understand the structure and function of proteins
Understanding Proteins
As you may already know proteins are an essential part of your diet. Proteins form many structures in cells and body tissues. They
are the main components in things like hair, bone, muscle, and blood. Proteins also form enzymes which are molecules that assist in
the many chemical reactions that take place within cells and the body. Probably the most commonly known enzymes are the
stomach’s digestive enzymes that help break down (hydrolyze) our food into smaller components. However, not all enzymes break
things down in your body. There are many enzymes that utilize dehydration synthesis to create larger organic polymers. Note: an
enzyme is a biological (living) catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a reaction without becoming part of the reaction.
Proteins are polymers. They are made of strings of hundreds to thousands of amino acids (monomers). There are 20 different kinds
of amino acids that can be strung in innumerable combinations to create different shapes and functions for the body. These are the
structural formulas of each of the individual 20 amino acids.
Your Task: You will research a protein that is commonly found in our body or in nature. For each protein you will.





Research its main function in the body or cells
What would happen if the organism did not have this protein?
Find a picture of the structure of the protein
o Does it work by itself? Interact with work with other proteins?
Find out some information about the DNA that is responsible for making this protein. Examples are below.
o The chromosome the sequence is on (Some will be on multiple chromosomes)
o The length of the sequence that is responsible for the protein
o The number of chromosomes responsible for the protein
Are there any diseases associated with the function of this protein?
Resources:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/proteintypes/
Otherwise, you know how to look up information online. Google it!
Your Protein: ____________________________
The outline of the proteins should be:





One page
Label the prompts
Answer the prompts above in complete sentences. Do not just copy and paste.
Include a list of resources you used
You are advertising your protein! Get creative in your layout and use of color on the page