How do scientists grow protein crystals? | 14-16 years

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Discover the methods and conditions used by chemical scientists to grow protein crystals in this lesson plan with activities for 14–16 year olds.

In this activity, students read and enact an interview with a protein chemist as a stimulus for applying their knowledge about growing crystals. Students then discuss issues arising from this in groups, with the objectives of being able to explain:

That proteins can form crystals.
The conditions under which protein crystals grow.
That crystal structures can be determined using X-ray crystallography.
Why protein crystals are investigated.

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