In the second unit of Sophomore STEM, we chose a protein and researched it. We had to figure out how DNA went to a protein and create a 3D model of our protein. Our group chose the protein, Elastin. We then switched groups and learned about homeostasis and how it effects the body. After learning about homeostasis, we ran an experiment based on a way the body maintains homeostasis. Concepts we used in our Protein project Protein - Macromolecules with one or more polypeptide chains Central Dogma - The flow of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA to proteins Transcription - The first step in protein synthesis where DNA is transcribed into mRNA Translation - The second step in protein synthesis where mRNA becomes a specific protein DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid; An acid found in the nucleus that contains the genetic instructions to create a protein RNA - A nucleic acid that carries instructions from DNA for protein synthesis Protein Synthesis - The process where cells create new proteins Protein Folding - The final step before a polypeptide chain can become a protein (ALL THESE CONCEPTS ARE FURTHER EXPLAINED AND CONNECT ON OUR POSTER FOR ELASTIN) Concepts we used in our Homeostasis project Homeostasis - All the processes in the body by which the body maintains a stable internal environment
Pits and Peaks of Homeostasis and Protein project
My first pit was that we didn't know what we were doing for the protein transcription and translation. We were required to search these answers on the infinitely large internet which had thousands of contradicting answers. Of course, only one of this was right, so this took a much longer time than just being taught the correct anwer, which would have taken 20 minutes instead of multiple days. My first peak was how well both groups worked together. One group was put together by our teacher, and the other group we got to choose. Both of them worked well and we were a cohesive mix that was able to complete both projects. My second pit was the limited amount of time we had. Since we had to learn a lot of the content on our own, this drained a lot of the time that should have gone into completing the experment and making our poster. My second peak were the parts of the project our group got to chose. Our group chose the protein elastin, and also which system we experimented with for homeostasis. This part gave us a little bit of freedom to do what we wanted with the projects.