Contextualization

Proteins are macromolecules essential for the functioning of living organisms, responsible for various biological functions such as tissue repair and construction, substance transport, immune system activity, among many others. They are formed from smaller units, amino acids, which organize into specific structures to perform their functions.

In cells, protein production occurs from the genetic code, through a process called protein synthesis, which takes place in the cytoplasm and involves the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) by ribosomes. Besides their synthesis, proteins can also be modified, degraded, and recycled, in a complex dynamic that occurs inside cells.

Understanding the importance of proteins, their structure, functions, and synthesis, as well as protein-related diseases, is essential to comprehend Molecular and Cellular Biology and also for Medicine, Nutrition, and Biochemistry.

Proteins are essential for life on Earth. They are the structural component of tissues and organs, acting in the construction, repair, and maintenance of the body. Moreover, many proteins have specific functions, such as enzymes that facilitate metabolic chemical reactions, antibodies that defend the body against foreign agents, and transport molecules that carry substances through the blood.

In the context of food and nutrition, proteins are indispensable nutrients obtained through diet. The lack or excess of proteins in the diet can cause various health problems. Additionally, several diseases are caused by defects in the production or function of proteins, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Manipulating Proteins"

Project Objective:

The main objective of this activity is to allow students to deeply understand the structure and function of proteins by constructing three-dimensional models of proteins and analyzing some cases of diseases caused by defects in protein structure. Students will also engage in research to learn about protein synthesis and its relevance in nutrition and human health.

Detailed Project Description:

This project will be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and will last approximately two weeks. It will involve research activities, making three-dimensional models, and finally, producing a report on the study conducted. The research activity will be done online, but the construction of models and the report writing will be done in person in the classroom.

Required Materials:

• Balloons of different colors and sizes
• Barbecue sticks
• Adhesive tape
• Computer with internet access
• A4 paper
• Colored pens

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Step 1: Research on Proteins - Through the suggested resources and other reliable sources, groups should research the structure and function of proteins, protein synthesis, the role of proteins in nutrition and human health, and some diseases caused by defects in protein structure. This research will be used to support the construction of models and the production of the report.

2. Step 2: Making the Models - Based on what was learned in the research, groups should build three-dimensional models of proteins using balloons to represent amino acids and barbecue sticks to represent peptide bonds. The models should be detailed enough to show the primary, secondary, and tertiary structure of proteins.

3. Step 3: Presentation of the Models - Each group must present their models, explaining the structure and function of the represented proteins and, if possible, linking the structures to the functions. This is where collaboration among group members comes in: everyone should participate in the presentation and be prepared to answer questions from the teacher and other students.

4. Step 4: Report Writing - Students will write a report on the study conducted, including an introduction (contextualizing the topic, its relevance and real-life application, and the project's objective), development (explaining the theory behind proteins, the construction of models, and the presentations), conclusion (summarizing the main points, stating the learnings and conclusions about the project), and bibliography (indicating the sources used in the research).

Project Deliverables:

At the end of the project, groups must deliver:

1. Three-dimensional models of proteins.
2. Oral presentation on the constructed models and their significance.
3. Written report of the entire process, including the research conducted, model construction, presentation, and acquired learnings. The report should follow the structure of a scientific document, with introduction, development, conclusion, and bibliography.

Students should bear in mind that the final deliverable is both the three-dimensional model and the written report. It is not enough to just build the model: it is necessary to be able to explain what it represents, how it relates to the function of proteins in the human body, and how the research and construction process were. Similarly, the report should be well-written, well-researched, and reflect both individual and group work.