Alpha Helix & Beta Sheet Secondary Structure Set©

With our Alpha Helix - Beta Sheet Secondary Structure Set© your students will explore how the repeating N-C-C pattern can result in two such different structures! The plastic, durable two-model set illustrates how both structures form a stable scaffolding for proteins to perform their functions.  The accompanying slide deck gives you the option to guide a whole-class activity or provide a differentiated opportunity for students who want more.  Your students will:  Compare and contrast four different protein structures – beta globin, green fluorescent, insulin, and zinc finger  Review four levels of protein structure  Examine the models, and record their observations and questions  Find and count the backbone of each amino acid  Trace the structures from their N-terminus to C-terminus and discover the parallel and antiparallel strands  Learn the stabilizing importance of hydrogen bonds  Get out any classroom protein models you have and let your