Before analyzing the structure of the MpAFP, we must first open the file containing the details of the protein structure, and display the structure. For this purpose, we will use a tool for displaying three dimensional structures of molecules, called Jmol. This tool will help us answer the research questions and learn about the connection between the MpAFP protein sequence, its structure and its function as an antifreeze agent.

Stages of the task

  1. By using the Jmol tool, we will learn about the spatial structure of the antifreeze protein MpAFP, we will view it from various angles and define the secondary structures in its spatial structure.
  2. We will focus on one subunit of the protein, and investigate in depth, which of its components bind to other molecules such as calcium and water ions, and how these bonds contribute to the stability of the spatial structure and to the protein function.