Introductory bioinformatics exercises utilizing hemoglobin and chymotrypsin to reinforce the protein sequence-structure-function relationships

Abstract

We describe two bioinformatics exercises intended for use in a computer laboratory setting in an upper-level undergraduate biochemistry course. To introduce students to bioinformatics, the exercises incorporate several commonly used bioinformatics tools, including BLAST, that are freely available online. The exercises build upon the students' background knowledge of hemoglobin and chymotrypsin, and foster a better understanding of how protein sequence relates to structure and function. © 2007 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.