Use the molecular

model kits to build

the amino acid on
your desk!
And then leave them on your desk!

Proteins
SBI4U

Amino Acids
H
H

Building blocks of proteins

Obtained from our diet
Proteins we eat are broken

C
O

down and reassembled into

new proteins in our body
There are 20 different amino acids

Amino Acids

Alpha () Carbon
H

Amino Group
H

R
These 3 groups are common
to ALL amino acids

O
C
O
Carboxyl Group

Amino Acids

H
H

O
C
O

The R Group is what makes each amino acid different

- Gives them different properties

Using the R group of

your model,
determine which
amino acid you
have built!
Share with your group

Amino Acids
Classified into 4 different groups:

Hydrophobic/
Non-Polar

Methionine

Proline

Alanine

Valine

Leucine

Isoleucine

Tryptophan

Phenylalanine

Amino Acids
Classified into 4 different groups:

Polar/Hydrophilic
Uncharged
Tyrosine

Glycine

Serine

Threonine

Cysteine

Glutamine

Asparagine

Amino Acids
Classified into 4 different groups:

Polar/Hydrophilic
Acidic/Negative

Glutamic Acid

Aspartic Acid

Amino Acids
Classified into 4 different groups:

Polar/Hydrophilic
Basic/Positive

Lysine

Arginine

Histidine

Discuss the
properties of your
amino acid with
your group

Bond Formation
H
H

H
H

CH3
Dehydration Synthesis

N
O

O
C
O

Bond Formation
H

H
H

CH3

N
O

O
C
O

Bond Formation
H

Peptide Bond
H

CH3

N
O

Dipeptide

O
C
O

Peptides
Dipeptide: Two amino acids
Oligopeptide: less than 10 amino acids
Polypeptide: 10 or more amino acids

Create a dipeptide
with your partner

Create an
oligopeptide with
your group

Now lets create a

class polypeptide

Structure
Primary Structure: Sequence of
amino acids
Secondary structure: alpha helices
and beta sheets
Tertiary structure: R group
interactions
Quaternary structure: Polypeptides
associating together

Primary Structure
Order the amino acids are
bonded

Using the pipe cleaners

and beads make your own
primary structure

Secondary Structure
Hydrogen bonding between
the backbone of the peptide
Alpha helices
Beta pleated sheets

Bend your pipe cleaners into

one alpha helix and a couple
beta pleated sheets

Tertiary Structures
The 3D shape of the protein
Proteins can be functional at
this point
Function depends on
structure
Formed based on
interactions with R groups
After this stage it can be
called a protein
The protein is in its native
state

Bend your pipe cleaner to

form a 3D protein

Quaternary Structure
Multiple protein units
associated together

Combine your protein with

your partners protein to
create a quaternary
structure

DEnaturation
Process where proteins lose their
structure while maintaining their
primary structure
Can be reversible
Extreme cases are irreversible
Caused by stress on protein:
1. Heat
2. Strong acid or base
3. Concentrated salt

You can help Researchers!

Puzzle based game where the
objective is to fold proteins as
well as possible using the tools
provided

Grab a laptop and

play Fold It!