TEACHING THE STRUCTURAL NATURE OF BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES: MOLECULAR VISUALIZATION IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN THE HANDS OF STUDENTS

The use of molecular visualization software has made a tremendous impact in the biochemistry and cell biology classroom. Instructors no longer have to rely on static images in textbooks to teach the structural nature of biological molecules. The emergence of many different molecular graphics programs and technology-based classrooms has enhanced the ability of instructors to teach structural concepts such as noncovalent interactions and levels of organization in proteins. Many web-based tutorials are also available for instructors to use during lecture or for students to explore outside of the classroom. Students can also obtain hands-on experience with the graphics programs to explore the structural aspects of macromolecular systems. This report shows that students involved in visualization projects become skilled at identifying various structural motifs they have discussed in class or are discovering for the first time. This student-centered approach enhances the ability of students to comprehend structural concepts and to realize the importance of weak interactions in the structure of large molecules. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. Eur.: 2001, 2, 109-122]