Resumen de Prote-ACE. A Logic Puzzle To Determine a Polypeptide Sequence
A traditional logic puzzle is presented in which knowledge of the structure and characteristics of amino acid side chains is necessary to determine the solution. An unknown peptide is digested with a variety of proteases, producing peptide fragments of different size and with different charge characteristics. Additional clues are given regarding the atoms included in and characteristics of the side chains present, and all of the supplied clues must be combined to determine the solution to the problem. This puzzle reinforces knowledge about amino acid side chains and promotes logical thinking skills through synthesis of multiple pieces of information. This activity is appropriate for inclusion in a biochemistry course following an introduction to amino acids.
