ERIC Number: EJ1173145
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Mar
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: N/A
Making Enzyme Kinetics Dynamic via Simulation Software
Journal of Chemical Education, v95 n3 p482-486 Mar 2017
An interactive classroom demonstration that enhances students' knowledge of steady-state and Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics is described. The instructor uses a free version of professional-quality KinTek Explorer simulation software and student input to construct dynamic versions of three static hallmark images commonly used to introduce enzyme kinetic concepts. The software, with its ability to change experimental conditions and immediately observe the effects on the kinetics of a system, allows students to be more aware of the experimental conditions that must exist for the assumptions of steady-state and Michaelis-Menten kinetics to be valid. Students report an increased understanding of the interplay between hallmark concentration versus time and rate versus concentration images. After the demonstration, students are prepared for data generation and analysis in a lab experiment focused on the steady-state. Additionally, they can begin independent simulation exercises using the software and are ready for discussions on pre-steady-state kinetics.
Descriptors: Biochemistry, Kinetics, Computer Simulation, Courseware, Demonstrations (Educational), Scientific Concepts, Concept Teaching, Scientific Principles, Scientific Methodology, Undergraduate Students, Teaching Methods, Computer Graphics
Division of Chemical Education, Inc and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A