Part 1:

Describe "your favorite gene" and the protein that results from it.

1. How is this gene regulated?

2. What is the protein that is formed?

3. Using CN3D (or pulling images from structure paper), describe some of the specific structural features of that protein as they relate to its function (e.g. The beta sheets in the scaffold protein PSD95 form a "PDZ" domain, which serves as a docking site for other proteins)

4. What is the overall function of this protein?

5. How is this protein regulated post-transnationally? Ideally, this will relate structure to function, however, since that is not always known, you can focus more heavily on the function if necessary.

Part 2:

Create a second presentation on this same gene and protein from part 1 that addresses the exact same questions.

This presentation is intended for a lay audience (e.g. a high school student, politician, and investor). Therefore, you must avoid scientific jargon! Think carefully about how you might explain some of the very complex things we have discussed (transcription, translation, epigenetics, structural motifs, post-translational modifications) to someone who has no scientific background. Be creative! It never hurts to practice with your children, siblings, parents etc.

It is expected that each slide from part 1 will have a counterpart in part 2. There is no requirement for the number of slides, but past presentations have averaged about 10 slides per section (20 slides total).

Each part will be graded based upon three criteria:

1. Scientific Merit/Accuracy

a. Did you thoroughly answer the questions?

b. Does the presentation demonstrate mastery of the content?

c. Are citations included?

2. Clarity

a. Does the presentation make sense and "flow"?

b. Is it appropriate for the intended audience?

3. Style

a. Is the presentation visually appealing and engaging?

b. Is the balance between text/images appropriate?