Enzyme Teaching by a Virtual Laboratory

• Main Authors: J.K. Sugai, R.V. Antônio, M.S.R.B. Figueiredo, D.N. Heidrich
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, SBBq 2010-05-01
• Series: Journal of Biochemistry Education
• Subjects: biochemical hypermedia, virtual experiment, amylase, enzyme kinetic.
• Online Access: http://bioquimica.org.br/revista/ojs/index.php/REB/article/view/204

Biochemistry learning demands skills to obtaining and interpreting the experimental data. In a classical model of teaching involve student’s hands-on participation. However this model is expensive, not safe and should be carried out in a short and limited time course. With utilization of educational software these disadvantages are overcome, since the virtual activity could be realized at free full access, and is a tool for individual study. The aim of the present work is to present educational software focused on a virtual for undergraduate student of biochemistry courses. The software development was performed with the help of concept maps, ISIS Draw, ADOBE Photoshop and FLASH MX Program applied on the subject salivary amylase. It was possible to present the basic methodologies for study of the kinetic of enzyme. The substrate (starch) consumption was determinate by iodine reaction, while the products (reducing sugars) formation was evaluated by cupper-alkaline reaction. The protocols of the virtual experiments are present verbally as well as a subtitle. A set of exercises are disposable, which allowed an auto evaluation and a review of the subject. The experimental treatment involved the presentation of this hypermedia for Nutrition and Dentistry/UFSC undergraduate students as a tool for better comprehension of the theme and promoted the understanding of the kinetic of enzyme.