Structural biologists look at how shape affects proteins and the chemicals that bind to them. Finding the right shaped chemical plays an important role in understanding basic biology and producing new drugs.
Videos
Read all about Structural Biology
December 18, 2019
A growing understanding of G protein-coupled receptor signaling could allow scientists to create pharmaceuticals that are both longer lasting and have fewer side effects. Read more »
June 3, 2019
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing problem in healthcare. But what if scientists could find ways to stop infections without triggering the antibiotic resistance that can result from destroying the bacteria? Read more »
December 19, 2018
ASRC researchers have discovered a class of proteins in fungus that could lead to new optogenetic tools. Read more »
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Activities and Resources
Bio Bracelets
This activity leads participants through the making of bio bracelets, using pipe cleaners (protein backbone) and beads (genes) to mimic protein structure and learn about amino acids and the repulsive forces between them.
Age range: K-12
Electrophoresis-Cancer Gene Detection
Students use electrophoresis to sort out fragments of DNA to detect the presence of mutated gene and learn how the p53 gene can influence chances of cancer development
Age range: Middle to High School
Test Tube Lava Lamps
This activity leads participants through the making of a test tube lava lamp, demonstrating the differences in substance densities and the concept of immisible substances. The activity builds upon measuring skills and allows students to experience tactile pour.
Age range: K-12
Design-O-Saur
Students build a model to observe the connection between DNA, RNA, and amino acid sequences and to see the variation of traits that can occur in offspring by doing either a dihybrid cross or monohybrid cross of the parents.
Age range: Middle to High School