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The Metabolic Mural: A Laboratory Exercise in Integration
Author(s) -
Addington Adele K.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a298
Subject(s) - mural , memorization , construct (python library) , colored , class (philosophy) , metabolic pathway , psychology , computer science , chemistry , biochemistry , metabolism , cognitive psychology , art , visual arts , sociology , artificial intelligence , anthropology , programming language , painting
Students in biochemistry courses are frequently asked to memorize the pathways of central metabolism. However, many of them fail to see how the different pathways are integrated. In an attempt to help students see the “big picture” of integrated metabolism, the students, as a class, are asked to construct a “Metabolic Mural”. Each pair of students is assigned a specific pathway; they must present all metabolite structures and names, enzyme names, and co‐factors needed for each reaction. They must work with other groups such that common intermediates and co‐factors are represented in the same way throughout the entire mural. The students are provided with a large empty wall, colored paper, markers, colored label tape, and colored ribbon to connect common intermediates between pathways. Students who have completed the project have commented positively on the impact of the activity in assisting their understanding of the “big picture” of central metabolism.