Protein Structure and Pathology

Explore the mechanisms that drive protein folding, and examine how disruption of protein structure and function results in human disease.
Teacher: Shailee Vora

How can changing a single DNA base pair result in a disease that impacts the whole body? Why is it that a small alteration in protein structure will be essentially insignificant in one case but fatal in another?

This course will attempt to answer these questions and more. We will examine the intricacies of DNA structure and its relationship to the structure of the protein it codes for. In order for a cell to remain healthy, the majority of its proteins need to constantly recycled. This course will discuss how the cell ensures that the correct proteins are degraded and made each time. We will question what happens when this system breaks down and how the resulting mutations or incorrect proteins result in the pathology of various diseases, including sickle cell anemia and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Coursework will include brief reading and written assignments on current topics, with an emphasis on in-class discussions and activities. The course will culminate in a final project in which (with the assistance of group members and the instructor), students will design their own protein mutation and model its potential impacts.

For the application...

Prerequisites

1 year each of high school chemistry and biology, preferably at the honors/AP/IB level.

Relevant experience

Any courses, activities, programs or independent study in chemistry or biology.

Application Question (Core-specific free response)

This course will often utilize interactive models and/or demonstrations to illustrate key ideas. Pick your favorite concept in human biology, and design your own model or demo to explain this concept clearly to passers-by at a Museum of Science exhibit. The more hands-on and interactive your model/demo is, the better! Describe your model. In addition to your description, you may optionally send us a diagram or sketch.