Developing a three-dimensional animation for deeper molecular understanding of michaelis–menten enzyme kinetics

Abstract

The mathematical models that describe enzyme kinetics are invaluable predictive tools in numerous scientific fields. However, the daunting mathematical language used to describe kinetic behavior can be confusing for life science students; they often struggle to conceptualize and relate the mathematical representations to the molecular phenomena occurring at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. Students with less developed abstract and mathematical thinking skills may benefit from a visual learning approach. The paucity of visual resources for enzyme kinetics makes this a fertile field for developing novel learning media. We discuss developing a three-dimensional animation aimed at introducing key concepts of Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetics to undergraduate life science students. This animation uses both realistic and metaphoric depictions of the underlying molecular players, environments, and interactions in enzyme kinetics to contextualize and explain the relationship between the mathematical models and underlying molecular systems. The animation can be viewed at bit.ly/michaelis-menten. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(5):561–565, 2018.