Download About Proteins

Reminder – Amino Acids are the
building blocks of proteins
There are 20 different AAs
They get rearranged in your cells to
create the proteins you need
 Each protein has a specific function in your
body
 The order of the AAs determines the
function
 If even one AA is out of order by mistake,
the protein will not function (work)
 This is because proteins fold in a specific
way
DO NOT COPY THIS SLIDE
 Draw Pictures Here
 1. straight protein
 2. folded protein (functions)
 3. incorrectly folded protein (doesn’t function)
 4. Like letters and words
Discuss/Don’t Copy
Proteins can also change shape by other ways. If
chemicals or heat are added to the protein, it can
cause the amino acids to fold in different ways,
changing the shape of the protein.
This can be seen using an egg. Think about what
the protein of an egg looks like. It is the clear part.
When you cook the egg, the clear, liquid protein
turns into a white, solid protein.
 Heat and chemicals change proteins (think of
the egg – liquid clear to solid white)
 Once the protein has changed shape/unfolded
it is denatured
 It can never go back to the original shape
 It will never perform the same function again
 Remember – AA make proteins and SHAPE
DETERMINES FUNCTION
Think – Pair - Share
 What are the most important things you need
to know about proteins?
 Each person in your group needs to have
their own to share out