Chem 406: Biophysical Chemistry, Fall 2005
Computer Lab Assignments
26. October, 2005
Web Termpaper Assignment
You are assigned the task of writing a web-based term paper that focusses on one of the six major classification of enzymes. Each of you will be assigned one of the six classifications to work with. These classifications include:
Your termpaper should include a review of the general features of the reaction carried out by members of your classification. It should then focus on three specific examples that are chosen to illustrate the diversity of structures and strategies that have evolved to catalyze reactions with this classification. To this end, you should look for examples that
With your examples you should compare and contrast structure and function. The questions you address for each of your examples should include:
When discussing structure and function, you should illustrate your web term paper with interactive three-dimensional molecular models using Jmol images. This will also allow you to embed buttons, that when pushed, will modify these images to illustrate points that you make in the narrative of your term paper. By using a web-based format for your termpaper, we will be able to publish your efforts for world-wide consumption. Please keep in mind, the content of your paper will be the primary factor used to evaluate.
Resources:
Your paper should draw from between 7 to 10 references. These should be references to scientific articles, not web sites. You can start by looking in the PDB files for the references to the articles in which the structure was reported. You should also use Literature dabases, such as PubMed and Science Citation Index, to expand your bibliography. Like the example structures, you should start with a large bibliography that you trim down as you polish you termpaper. You will be asked to submit copies of the articles that you reference along with your web site. Resources for developing a set of references include:
The Science & Engineering subject guide listing at the McIntyre library web page provides links to the full text of The American Chemical Society Journals, which includes Biochemistry, and the index BIOSIS.
Due Dates