RESUMO
Modeling and visualization of the cellular mesoscale, bridging the nanometer scale of molecules to the micrometer scale of cells, is being studied by an integrative approach. Data from structural biology, proteomics, and microscopy are combined to simulate the molecular structure of living cells. These cellular landscapes are used as research tools for hypothesis generation and testing, and to present visual narratives of the cellular context of molecular biology for dissemination, education, and outreach.
Assuntos
Modelos Biológicos , Modelos Moleculares , Animais , Biologia Celular , Técnicas Citológicas , Humanos , Biologia Molecular/métodosRESUMO
A team of students, educators, and researchers has developed new materials to teach cell signaling within its cellular context. Two nontraditional modalities are employed: physical models, to explore the atomic details of several of the proteins in the angiogenesis signaling cascade, and illustrations of the proteins in their cellular environment, to give an intuitive understanding of the cellular context of the pathway. The experiences of the team underscore the use of these types of materials as an effective mode for fostering students' understanding of the molecular world and the scientific method used to define it.
Assuntos
Indutores da Angiogênese/química , Currículo/normas , Biologia Molecular/educação , Proteínas/química , Transdução de Sinais , Humanos , Modelos Teóricos , Estrutura Molecular , EstudantesAssuntos
Modelos Moleculares , Ciência/educação , Ensino/métodos , Currículo , Humanos , Mentores , Estados UnidosRESUMO
The technology now exists to construct physical models of proteins based on atomic coordinates of solved structures. We review here our recent experiences in using physical models to teach concepts of protein structure and function at both the high school and the undergraduate levels. At the high school level, physical models are used in a professional development program targeted to biology and chemistry teachers. This program has recently been expanded to include two student enrichment programs in which high school students participate in physical protein modeling activities. At the undergraduate level, we are currently exploring the usefulness of physical models in communicating concepts of protein structure and function that have been traditionally difficult to teach. We discuss our recent experience with two such examples: the close-packed nature of an enzyme active site and the pH-induced conformational change of the influenza hemagglutinin protein during virus infection.
