Question

Pick one of the proteins or protein complexes :

eIF4A/B/E/G, eIF1/1A/3, eIF2, Poly A binding protein, eIF5B, EF1alpha,  EF2,  eRF1/3

Come up with a real world analogy that you could use to teach high school students about its function.

1. Explain how your analogy is similar to these proteins.
2. Give 2 different ways in which the analogy does NOT work the same as the protein(s) that is picked. Think about how the analogy works and doesn't work

Answer 1

I pick Poly-A Binding Protein (PABP)

- It participates in polyadenylation mechanism

Real world analogy -

1. PABP can be compared to helmet :

• This is because , PABP plays many roles in polyadenylation . One of which is protecting mRNA .
• As the helmet protects the head from external injuries , the PABP protects the mRNA from degradation by binding to the 3' end of the mRNA
• This analogy can not be applied for other functions of the PABP

2. PABP can be compared to a volunteer :

• This is because , due to binding of PABP to the mRNA , the poly-A tail recognizes the binding site and subsequently adds the polyA tails to the mRNA end
• As a volunteer of a match guides you to the line and helps you stand in the line for the tickets , the PABP guides the poly-A tails to the mRNA end