Protein Modeling

Protein Modeling was introduced as a trial in 2009 and as a National Event in 2010/2011.

Description
Students will explore protein structure and function by building 3D models of selected proteins- one prior to competition, and one on site at the competition- and taking a test on both general protein-related concepts and information specific to the protein chosen for that year. For 2011, students will model proteins involved in reprogramming adult cells to become stem cells.

Scoring
As of 2009-10, 40% of the score was determined by the pre-build model, 30% by the on-site model, and 30% by the written test.

Pre-build Model
For the pre-build model, a section of a certain protein will be specified from the Protein Data Bank. Students will be provided with a Mini-Toober of the correct length, at a scale of 2 cm per amino acid residue. The model must be correctly folded, but must also include "creative additions" that showcase the function of the selected protein. Students must decide themselves which sidechains and/or ligands are important to the protein's function and should be displayed.

The pre-build model is scored based on:
 * Accuracy and correct placement of secondary structures (alpha helices and beta sheets)
 * Accuracy of tertiary structure (3D arrangement of secondary structures- e.g., two strands of a beta sheet being correctly placed next to each other, and a nearby helix being perpendicular to both)
 * Relevance and correct placement of sidechains or ligands you've chosen to display
 * Relevance and creativity of "creative additions" (i.e., putting pig ears on the 2009-10 hemagglutinin model could receive a high score, because pigs are an important vector for flu viruses, but decorating the model with glitter and flowers would not, because as creative as it might be, it's not relevant to the protein's function)

IN PROGRESS