Accuracy of tertiary structure (3D arrangement of secondary structures- e.g., two strands of a beta sheet being correctly placed next to each other, and a nearby helix being perpendicular to both).Accuracy and correct placement of secondary structures (alpha helices and beta sheets).These additions must be explained on a two-sided, 3x5 index card, along with a paragraph explanation of how they are relevant to the protein's function, and submitted with the model, typically at impound. Students must decide for themselves which sidechains and/or ligands are important to the protein's function and should be displayed. The model must be correctly folded, and the end-caps placed at the correct ends of the protein chain, but the model must also include "creative additions" that showcase the function of the selected protein. Students purchase beforehand a Mini-Toober of the correct length, at a scale of 2 cm per amino acid residue, and red and blue plastic end-caps representing the carboxyl and amino termini of the protein chain respectively. However, calculators are still not allowed.įor the pre-build model, a section of a certain protein will be specified from the Protein Data Bank. In addition to markers, pens and pencils, teams are also encouraged to bring a metric ruler to aid in building the onsite model to the 2cm scale.įor 20, each participant may bring a sheet of paper - if there are three individuals competing in the event, each one may have a sheet of information. In the 2016-2017 season, five two-sided 8.5x11 sheets of reference materials from any source, typed, handwritten, or graphics, were allowed, along with a scientific calculator and writing utensils (a Sharpie or other permanent marker is recommended for marking the Mini-Toober for the on-site model, as well as normal pens/pencils for taking the test).įor the 2018-2019 season, only one two sided letter-size "cheatsheet" is allowed. The prebuild still remains part of the competition, as well as a written test on a specific topic.įor the 2021 season scoring is based on the following components: However, in 2020 this was changed and instead of an onsite model, students will explore any given protein using Jmol and answer questions regarding its structure. In past years, competitors would build 2 models - one prebuild model and one onsite build. In 20, students are studying the APOBEC3A Cytidine Deaminase and how it is used in direct base editing. In 2019, students studied the CRISPR-Cas9 and one of its inhibitors, AcrIIA4. In 2016, students modeled proteins involved with dopamine and serotonin. For the event, students use computer visualization and online resources to guide the construction of physical models of proteins and to understand how protein structure determines function. Protein Modeling is a Division C event for the 2021 season.