Overview
o The 6 page research paper will cover a specific protein molecule. The protein topics will be randomly distributed by the instructor on the second or third day of class. (NOTE: The 6 page minimum does not include the title page or references). Students are encouraged to discuss their research papers with the instructor outside of class. o The paper will include the following components: 1. An overview of the protein molecule in terms of its presence in different organisms, the functional and/or structural role of the protein, the cells or tissues that express the protein in the organism, unique structural components of the molecule, its role in aspects of metabolism within organisms, and its interaction with other molecules. (30 points) 2. Discussions of the experimental findings of the primary reference papers. A brief discussion of the hypothesis of the experiments, an overview of the techniques used to test the hypothesis, and the experimental results from the papers should be included. (30 points) 3. A summary discussion of the protein molecule should conclude your paper. This area should display an understanding of all relevant information summarized from the research papers, including features of primary through quaternary structure, co-factors, major evolutionary adaptations, and roles for mutated forms of the protein in diseases. You should include an evaluation of the phylogenetic profile of this molecule – How many different organisms share this protein? it a member of a larger protein family? Is it essential to specific cell functions? (30 points) 4. Research Paper Format: The 6 page report is to be typed (double- spaced) with a 12-pitch Times New Roman font (no larger, no smaller). All margins should be set at one (1) inch and fully justified (4 points). Failure to adhere to the formatting requirements will result in point deduction. o A minimum of three (3) primary sources (where the authors are the people who did the research) are required. These and other references should be indicated as references in your final paper (6 points for appropriate references). The National Library of Medicine website will give you free access to PubMed (www.nlm.nih,gov) where you can limit your search to links to “free full text.” o You may contact the College of Sciences and Technology (COST) Library Liaison in the Asa H. Gordon Library for assistance with finding pertinent information. The process by which you learn to acquire information will be valuable in any class where a research paper or literature search is required