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Prion Problem Space
(Complete Item Description)
- Abstract:
Prions are relatively small proteins that display dramatically alternate conformations for similar primary structures. Abnormal conformations appear to cause fatal neurological diseases in a wide variety of mammals. Researchers are discovering the mechanisms behind these conformational changes, including differences that may lead to species barriers (or lack thereof) among exposed animals. How do these conformations differ?
How do small sequence differences affect susceptibility to conformational change? This problem space introduces basic skills in protein structure exploration. We will learn to search databases for protein structures, explore the Cn3D software, and propose questions that may be answered with these tools.
- Subject:
- Science and Technology
- Grade Level:
- Post-secondary
- Collection:
- BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium