One of Life's Great Proteins
Research Paper Assignment
Molecular Biology 1
Biology 110631, 2006 with Dr. Don DeWitt (v1 as of 9/2/06)
Go to Mol Bio 1  or Go to Mol Bio 1 Assignments

Topic Submission:
  • Check DUE DATES to determine the date on which the TOPIC is due.
  • The topic submittal should be typed on a single sheet of paper, with the molecule's name and chemical formula, (if shown in the textbook or class notes.)
  • The value of the topic is 1% of your Mol. Bio. 1 grade.
The Paper:
  • Sections:
    • The paper must be divided into sections as listed below.  Each section must have the appropriate section heading as described in the Formatting Rules
    • The paper must include:
      • the chemistry of the molecule (including a BRIEF introduction describing where the molecule fits into the big picture of proteins),
      • a section on its function in nature, and 
      • a section on its use in society (e.g. industrial or commercial use) or a disease associated with it. 
  • References:
    • A references section must be attached AFTER the last page. 
    • The format of the reference should be similar to:
      • Books: Alberts, et al., Essential Cell Biology. New York: Garland, 1998, pg. #
      • Articles: Harbron, P. "Conversation in a Cell." Discover, February 1996, pg. #
      • Website: Give the URL: http://users.bergen.org/dondew/bio/advbio1protsyn.html AND give a title: "Protein Synthesis"
  • Drawings:
    • The paper must be word processed and include appropriate drawings of chemical structures and chemical reactions that this molecule is involved with. Images associated with its function are important as well. 
    • All drawings must be done by hand or by computer.
    • Drawings may be traced using tracing paper. (Note that all tracing paper used must be cut to fit a 8.5 and 11 sheet of paper.  Small pieces of tracing paper may also be used and glued within a box drawn on a page of the paper.)
    • All drawing should be referred to as figures and must be labeled as Figure 1, Figure 2, etc. Each figure must also include appropriate labels and include a caption below explaining the drawing with 1 or 2 sentences.
    • ALL FIGURES must be referred to in the text of your paper in the same order as that seen on your figures pages.
    • No scanned pictures are allowed unless it is a 3D model of the molecule or a photograph.
    • Molecules must be drawn by hand or computer using a Drawing program or equivalent unless it is a 3D model of the molecule or a photograph of a model.  There is a very useful drawing program that you can download called ISIS Draw that you may find useful during your Mol. Bio. life.   ISIS Draw for the PC may be useful.  It can be obtained at: http://www.mdli.com/downloads/downloadable/index.jsp  If you use PAINT PROGRAMS, make sure your graphics are drawn at a high enough resolution (e.g. 300 dpi) so that they print sharp.
    • Color printing or drawing is optional but will receive no added points.
    • Please note:  Graphic support is valued at least for 20% of this paper. It includes introductory chemistry, molecule structure, synthesis, function in nature, disease information.)  ALL sections must include appropriate graphic support!
    .
  • Size:
    • The paper must be word processed and should be at least 10 pages long and no more than 12 pages including appropriate drawings of chemical structures and chemical reactions that this molecule is involved with.  An ADDITIONAL page for references must be added.
    • Papers submitted with a 14th or greater page will be penalized 10% per page!!!!!
    • Standard Mol. Bio. formatting rules apply according to the rules available at Formatting Rules.
    • Don't forget to read these additional RULES too!
  • Due date: 
    • Check DUE DATES to determine the date on which the paper is due.
    • Late papers are penalized 5% per day until the score reaches 70% (if the paper is eventually turned in.)
    • The paper counts for 23% of the Mol. Bio. 1 final grade. 
    • If you are unable to submit your paper on time, you should ask another student to submit the paper and e-mail Dr. DeWitt informing him of your problem.  E-mail submission of course work is NOT acceptable without prior discussion.
    Questions about this assignment should be directed to my BCA dondew email account.