A Comparison of Proteins Within a Cell and Between Different Tissues
Standards
DCI 1: From Molecules to Organisms - Structures and Processes
SMP.2 Analyzing & Interpreting Data
SMP.3 Constructing Explanations
Be successful by…
Reading actively and re-reading
Being thoughtful
Working systematically and taking your time
Sharing ideas with others and listening to your peers
Staying focused and on task
Introduction
Students will read, analyze and interpret data that has been gathered through years of cellular and genetic
research. There are two main websites that will be utilized and links are provided.
A cell is the smallest structural and functional component of a living organism. It is comprised of various
organelles and other cellular components which allow for it to function appropriately. In this activity, students
will explore the role that the presence and abundance of proteins play at the cellular level and within tissues.
A “protein profile” shows the abundance and type of proteins present within cells, tissues or organs.
Part 1 - Exploring organelles and protein presence in cells
Table 1 shows a sample of 8710 cellular proteins studied. Their abundance in a variety of organelles can be
seen below. The following cellular protein data was gathered from HeLa cells. (Have you seen the movie, “The Immortal Life
of Henrietta Lacks”?)
Data source: https://elifesciences.org/articles/16950
Cell organelle
Number of
proteins
present
Endoplasmic Reticulum
530
Golgi
190
Lysosome
88
Mitochondria
658
Peroxisome
25
Plasma membrane
510
Function of organelle
(Use this resource, or this one)
1. Read about the function of various cellular components and summarize their functions in Table 1
(above).
2. READ about proteins and then write a summary for the role proteins play in our bodies.
Figure 1: Quantitative
anatomy of a HeLa cell.
(A) Diagram with cellular
components scaled by their
relative contribution to the
total cell protein mass (NOT
volume).
(B) Proteins present in the
three major organelles,
plotted against their
cumulative mass.
(Graphs C-E) The top 20
most abundant proteins in
three major organelles,
plotted against their
contribution to protein
organelle mass.
3. Draw a graph to show
the relative percent by
mass of the cellular
components shown in
Figure 1A.
4. Propose a conclusion that may be drawn from the graph in Figure 1B. (Find a relationship)
5. Using CER, answer the following:
(Remember: Claim- answer to the question, Evidence- from the data, Reasoning- scientific theory that ties evidence to the claim)
Explain how the plasma membrane, mitochondria and ER have such different functions in a cell.
Claim: __________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Evidence: _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Reasoning: ______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
What role (not specific job) do proteins play in the function of a cell?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Main concepts
The types of proteins present does not seem to determine tissue function as much as the amount of each protein produced.
The abundance of proteins determines tissue characteristics and organ function
-
Part 2 - Exploring proteins in tissues and organs
In plant and animal systems, the level of organization can be seen from cells → tissues → organs → organ
systems, which allow for the whole organism to function. A tissue is a group of similar cells that work together
to carry out a specific function. An organ is composed of different tissues that work together to perform a
common function. Although an organ is made up of different tissues, there is a main tissue that plays a
significant role in its ability to perform its primary functions.
Use “The Human Protein Atlas” to explore the relationship between proteins, tissues, and organ function.
For your reference
Tissue enriched genes - many code for proteins that are specifically found in that tissue type
Group enriched genes - many code for proteins that are found in a group of tissues (multiple different tissue types)
Go to “Tissue Enriched Genes” and compare the morphology (shape, structure, etc.) of three different tissues
by clicking on the pictures and enlarging.
Organ/Tissue type
Key characteristics (Morphology)
1. Are all the cells within an organ/tissue the same or is there variety?
2. Propose an explanation for the differences in cells that you observed. (Recognize that most cells
have the same types of organelles but not necessarily in the same amounts.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Go to “Group Enriched Proteins,” view the network plot and answer the following questions.
3. What do the red vs orange circles indicate?
4. Fill in the table using the network plot.
Organ/Tissue Type
Red # associated proteins
Orange # associated proteins
Small Intestine
Duodenum
Colon
5. What is the greatest number of group enriched proteins found between the small intestines and
another tissue type? Which tissue type?
6. Does each tissue have a specific function?
Yes / No
7. Spend a few minutes online looking at the anatomy of the human abdomen. (Google image)
8. Explain how the network plot (focusing on the small intestines, duodenum and colon) provides
evidence for the organs being closely related, in terms of their location and function.
9. Fill in the table using the network plot.
Organ/Tissue Type
Red # associated
Orange # associated
Tonsils
Lymph nodes
Appendix
10. Does each tissue/organ have a specific function?
Yes / No
11. Spend a few minutes online looking at the anatomy of the human abdomen.
12. Explain how the network plot (focusing on the tonsils, lymph nodes, and appendix) provides
evidence for the organs being closely related, in terms of their location and function.
* Exit question: How does the role of proteins in a cell and an organ compare?
Exit ticket and thoughts for the night: If all cells have the same DNA, how can there be such variety of cell structures and
functions.