Protein Modeling

Division: Div C – High School

NC Essential Standards Alignment: Biology

Event Rules: See the National rules manual

Event Score Sheet: None

National Event Page: Here

Required Materials:Each participant may bring one 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form and from any source. The sheet may be contained in a sheet protector or laminated. Each team will impound a pre-built model of a cytidine deaminase protein. Event supervisors will provide internet-connected computers, instructions for computer exploration of protein structure, and the written exam.

Clarifications: None

Description:

Students will use computer visualization and online resources to construct physical models of a protein that is being used with CRISPR Cas9 protein, that is being engineered to edit plant and animal cell genomes. This year’s event will focus on modifications to Cas9 that make it useful for base-editing. 

Materials:

Each participant may bring one 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form and from any source. The sheet may be contained in a sheet protector or laminated. Each team will impound a pre-built model of a cytidine deaminase protein. Event supervisors will provide internet-connected computers, instructions for computer exploration of protein structure, and the written exam.

Scoring:

High score wins. Points are earned for the quality and accuracy of responses. Predetermined questions will be used to break ties.

Common Mistakes:

None

Recommendations:

None

Event Resources:

3-D Molecular Designs – The Science of Coronaviruses 

Media:

Center for BioMolecular Modeling Fact Sheet