How might we identify an unknown protein from an amino acid sequence and predict its three-dimensional shape?
Students will explore a scenario using BLAST to search for matches and identify the likely name or family of the protein, explore UniProt to investigate the protein’s known functions, where it’s expressed, and any roles it might play in the immune system and use AlphaFold to visualize the protein’s 3D shape.
• 6.LS.1: Cells are the fundamental unit of life
• 6.LS.3: Cells carry on specific functions that sustain life
• B.C.1: Cell structure and function
• B.C.2: Cellular processes
• B.H.1: Cellular genetics
• B.H.2: Structure and function of DNA in cells
• B.H.4: Mutations
• AP.T.1: Blood
• AP.T.3: Lymphatic and Immune Systems
AlphaFold is an AI system developed by Google DeepMind that predicts a protein’s 3D structure from its amino acid sequence.
UniProt is the world’s leading high-quality, comprehensive and freely accessible resource of protein sequence and functional information.
Discovery-focused roles working in labs, field research, or data-driven science.
