Poster #RP214
A Guide to the use of 3D Cartoon Models for Teaching Protein Structure in the Post-Genomic Era
richard garratt*, Humberto Pereira*
*Instituto de Física de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
We have recently described the development of a kit (baptized Protein Folder) for the building of Richardson-style cartoon models of proteins. The major components of the kit are made of injection molded plastic to represent secondary structures and can be rapidly assembled into effectively any known (or unknown) protein topology. This makes them particularly suitable for the teaching of concepts in protein topology, given the current emphasis on attempts to complete the universe of protein folds.
In the present work we highlight three new aspects of this on-going project. Firstly a set of structured classes, each aimed to highlight a given feature of protein topology, which have been developed in the form of a Teacher's Guide. Each exercise consists of five sections: an introduction, objectives, the problem itself, tips and the expected result. Secondly, the results of recent evaluations of the use of the kit within the classroom setting will be presented. Finally the future developments for the kit will be described, particularly the elaboration of new pieces, specifically designed to better represent helical structures and to increase the mechanical stability of the models.