o The 6 page research paper will cover a specific protein molecule. The protein

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