a simple method for instructing protein structure for medical students: a case review

in the process of learning basic biochemistry, as in any other area, much extra class work is required for students before basic concepts, such as those concerning protein structure and properties, are firmly settled. to reach this end we have developed a simple instruction method to teach protein structure in biochemistry courses for medical students. the objectives of this method are to illustrate some aspects of protein structure; to allow students to gain competence by learning a number of biochemical and molecular biology teaching techniques easy enough to carry out to ensure a successful outcome; and to allow students to become skilled in processing, presenting and discussing data obtained directly by themselves, or furnished by the instructor. the method of this paper can be successfully used to illustrate, explain and characterize most of the physical and chemical properties of proteins.