Molecular Dynamics: Protein
A molecular dynamics simulation of a protein in its environment, letting students observe molecular motion rather than a static structure. It supports discussion of how…
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Chemistry · Biochemistry
3D Amino Acid Structures & Side Chains – Interactive
Students select amino acids in a 3D viewer and inspect each side chain and its properties. They can pin one amino acid and switch to another to identify what changed in the R group and how the resulting property changed, building the basis for understanding protein structure. The full interactive is available to licensed Education Universe users.
Years 11–12, UndergraduateExplorer
Learning outcomes
- Identify the common structure of amino acids and the variable R group.
- Classify amino acids by side-chain properties.
- Explain how a change in the R group changes an amino acid's properties.
Teaching guidance
Have students pin one amino acid and predict how a second will differ before switching, then justify the classification they give it.
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Amino Acid Explorer is one of the licensed interactives in The Education Universe. This page describes it; teachers use it in lessons and classes with a licence or the free trial.