Visualizing the Invisible: A Guide to Designing, Printing, and Incorporating Dynamic 3D Molecular Models to Teach Structure–Function Relationships

Authors

Michelle E. Howell, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Karin V. van Dijk, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Christine S. Booth, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Tomáš Helikar, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Brian A. Couch, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Rebecca Roston, University of Nebraska- LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2018

Citation

Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education Volume 19, Number 3

Comments

© 2018 Author(s).

Open access

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.v19i3.1663

Abstract

Understanding the intricate relationship between macromolecular structure and function represents a central goal of undergraduate biology education (1–3). In teaching complex three-dimensional (3D) concepts, instructors typically depend on static two-dimensional (2D) textbook images or computer-based visualization software, which can lead to unintended misconceptions (4–6). While chemical and molecular kits exist, these models cannot handle the size and detail of macromolecules. Consequently, students may graduate in the life sciences without understanding how structure underlies function or acquiring skills to translate between 2D and 3D molecular models (5, 7).