Peptides, ACE and Hypertension

Molecule build For VCE Chemistry

‘Peptides, ACE and Hypertension’ is an interactive workshop teaching secondary students about the underlying principles of medicines design through an understanding of peptide structure, functional groups and molecular interactions. It will invite them to consider careers in the health sciences with particular regard to pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. The Outreach Educator from Monash will visit schools and bring modelling kits for students to participate. Students will appreciate how designing a molecule to fit and interact strongly with a human enzyme can lead to useful therapeutic agents.

Aim

To provide an interactive overview of peptide structure with a focus on amide bonds.  This discussion is extended by providing a short narrative on the discovery of peptide-like medicines that block a key human enzyme involved in blood pressure control.  The overview also highlights functional groups, chirality and intermolecular interactions.  A molecular model of a natural substance will be built by the students to enhance their understanding of functional groups and chirality.  Students will engage with a real drug discovery scientist to explore the role of biochemistry and the three dimensional structure of enzymes in drug design.

Expected program outcomes

The material can be tailored to Year 11 or 12 students. The students are guided through discussions and a modelling activity.

Students will:

  • Gain an understanding of peptide bonds and peptide structure
  • Explore the design process employed to develop antihypertensive medicines that target ACE
  • Explain the structural differences between a series of research compounds and their biological activity
  • Build the molecular structure of an amino acid
  • Appreciate the challenges of structure-based medicines research

Location

  • At your school (we require a classroom with a projector and tables suitable for team work) or online

Duration

  • 40 - 90 minutes

Capacity

  • Best for a class of maximum 25 students

Availability

  • Flexible with days and times, contact us to discuss
Interested?  Contact us to find out more or book in a workshop for your class.