Attention: This is not a typical writing assignment, so do not treat it as such. The intent is for you to do your very best work. The paper you turn in should demonstrate that you truly understand and can apply what you have learned in this course. It should reveal your ability to reflect on a scientific topic and communicate it visually and in writing to others in a meaningful context. It is an opportunity to display your ability to formulate and explore personal learning issues, to find and assimilate relevant information from the scientific literature, and then synthesize everything into a meaningful paper that is not just a term paper. If done well, you might want to include your paper in an online portfolio to demonstrate that you have achieved the standards expected of you at the University of Delaware. Every year, the best paper from the class is submitted for the Edward Rosenberry Undergraduate Writing Award.

Background for the Assignment: Linus Pauling introduced the concept of molecular disease by demonstrating that the gene for sickle cell anemia was directly related to a chemical alteration of hemoglobin in the red blood cells of affected individuals. A few years later, Vernon Ingram identified a single amino acid replacement at position 6 of the beta chains of sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS) and showed that the sequence of the remaining 145 amino acids of the beta chains and all 141 amino acids in the alpha chains of hemoglobin were unchanged compared to normal hemoglobin (HbA). Subsequently, others determined the exact nucleotide substitution mutation in the beta globin gene possessed by sickle cell patients.

These discoveries prompted a stampede of sorts to discover other hemoglobin variants and the corresponding mutations in DNA. There are now on the order of 1000 different mutations known to affect the amino acid sequence or production of hemoglobin. While many of these are single-nucleotide-substitution mutations, deletions, and insertions that have little or no clinical effects, the consequences of others vary from benign to severe, as in the case of thalassemias. Many medical biochemists have made a career studying these usually rare hemoglobinopathies.

Using a list of hemoglobinopathies (alpha-chain, beta-chain, thalassemias), pick an interesting example to investigate as the basis for a 5-10 page, double-spaced, well-organized report. Select a variant that no one else in class has selected. Your report should have the following elements:

• A description of the genetic mutation and its consequences for hemoglobin structure, function, and stability. (Append a photocopy of the title page of the original article describing the mutation and/or variant hemoglobin.)
• Where appropriate, include a computer-generated image of the three-dimensional structure of hemoglobin showing the location or region of the molecule affected. Be sure that the illustration is informative and has an explanatory caption to go with it. Other illustrations can be included to augment the text. Cathy Wojewodzki, has created a web-site that will help you with this assignment and lead you step by step through the process of making a useful computer image of your hemoglobin variant. Another useful webpage is a tutorial for Deep View.
  
• Describe any clinical and/or functional effects of the mutation.
  
• Provide citations to all references and illustrations (if not original) using the standard citation format of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Part of the purpose of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your ability to find, use, and properly document information from the library. Inclusion of at least and preferably more than 10 relevant citations to primary research articles some of which show the exploration of learning issues beyond the particular hemoglobinopathy for a minimum for a grade of "C."
• Work to give your specific topic some general relevance by relating it to general principles and other hemoglobin variants.
• Your "voice". This is not just a report of factual information your references have provided. It is a synthesis of information that puts your stamp on the text.
  

Each group should arrange a time to meet for 30-60 minutes with Catherine Wojewodzki, a science librarian in 117C Morris Library (831-4240, or Cathyw at udel.edu) who is familiar with this project and can provide assistance in tracking down the information you need. In the past, students have had problems because they did not take full advantage of the resources available. You will need to develop these library research skills as part of your undergraduate education. (They go well beyond "Googling" the Internet.)

Cathy Wojewodzki normally likes to work with <12 students at a time. This year, there will be three consecutive time slots on Monday, April 11, 8:00-8:30; 8:30-9:00; and 9:00–9:30 AM.

Cathy will work with you on your actual Hb variants.  If you make your selection and get it approved before you attend this session, you will not have to repeat the work. Groups will meet in Room 116B in Morris Library Reference Room area and use the laptop computers in there. You are welcome to bring your own, if you prefer.

This assignment will be evaluated for its composition, content, clarity of presentation, and depth of your analysis. An "A paper" must go beyond simple reporting of information. For example, a molecular graphics representation of your hemoglobin variant showing the location of any mutational modification, but make sure it shows something worth seeing. Remember, this should be your synthesis of the information, not a paraphrasing words by others. Late papers will not be accepted without a grade penalty.

Other Options: Students who would rather explore aspects of hemoglobin function, evolution, or properties of unusual hemoglobins from other species may do so in consultation with Dr. White. There are related topics available such as Glucose-6-P deficiency (favism).

3. Feel free to discuss your ideas and any difficulties you have with me (Dr. White) preferably well before the due date..