Protein Folding

Fundamentals of folding and synthesis in cells

Irene, Srishti, Joy, Paige

01

Primary Structure

(linear)

Transcription

Translation

mRNA → Amino Acid Polypeptide Chain

DNA → mRNA

Linear Amino Acid Chain

Movement:

• walking in a line
• sharp placements (like beads)
• hand-to-shoulder connections

Adjectives:

• linear
• mechanical
• precise

Formation:

• straight line / diagonal chain
• each dancer = one amino acid

​

Translation Key Players

(1 Dancer each, can have multiple as Amino Acid if 4+ members)

Ribosome

mRNA

tRNA

Amino Acid

​

…and many more

02

Secondary Structure

Alpha Helix & Beta Sheets

Movement:

• spirals (alpha helix)
• angular folding (beta sheets)
• repeated motifs

Adjectives:

• patterned
• structured
• repetitive
• stabilizing

Formation:

• split group:
• 2 dancers = helix (spiral duet)
• 2 dancers = sheets (flat/angular)

03

Tertiary Structure

Full 3D Folding

Movement:

• contraction → expansion
• wrapping arms around body
• off-balance → recovery

Adjectives:

• complex
• inward
• tension-release
• dynamic

Formation:

• all dancers within group interact physically
• lifts / counterbalance if possible

​

04

Quaternary Structure

Subunits Together

Movement:

• synchronization
• lifts / partnering
• interlocking shapes

Adjectives:

• unified
• cooperative
• powerful
• stable

Formation:

• final group sculpture
• INTERACT WITH OTHER GROUPS!

DANCE! (song: FOLDED by Kehlani)

Structure creates function.

Movement creates meaning.

“Choreography Mapping”

• Primary = linear
• Secondary = patterns
• Tertiary = complexity
• Quaternary = unity