Transcript
Today you will fold proteins. You can find fold.it in your applications folder. Fold.it is an online puzzle video game about protein folding. The game is part of an experimental research project, and is developed by the University of Washington's Center for Game Science in collaboration with the UW Department of Biochemistry. The objective of the game is to fold the structure of selected proteins to the best of the player's ability, using various tools provided within the game. The highest scoring solutions are analyzed by researchers, who determine whether or not there is a native structural configuration (or native state) that can be applied to the relevant proteins, in the "real world". Scientists can then use such solutions to solve "real-world" problems, by targeting and eradicating diseases, and creating biological innovations. (From Wikipedia) Specifically, teach people the basics principals behind protein structures and let them figure out how amino acid sequence translates into three dimensions protein shape. NPR Stories on Fold.it: When scientists fail, its time to call in the gamers Fold.it gamers solve viral mystery Start by going through the 31 levels or tutorials. Create a google doc and take a screenshot of the farthest level you get to, then write a brief summary of what you learned while playing the game and share it with your teacher. ***If you make it all the way through the tutorials, I will give you one bonus point for each additional puzzle you solve (up to ten.)*** Check out the tutorial, if you get stuck.
Tip: Try to complete the tutorials without help first. Experience has shown this results in deeper understanding of the game mechanics.
Tip: On the tutorials follow the instructions closely, don't over think and do too
much. Don't be afraid to reset and start again. Don't be in a rush to finish the level and move on, this is your opportunity to play with the tools and figure out how they work.
Tip: Carefully read the messages by clicking "tell me more", and reset the puzzle if you get stuck.
