PDF files require 
This Activity requires students to transform their understanding of the acetylcholine release process and the inhibitory effects of botulinum toxin into a dynamic model of the process. Using their own words, students explain the process and perform a skit. Although each student models the dynamics of only one particular molecule, they must each have a command of the function of their molecule within the entire biological system. This exercise builds students' modeling skills as well as their three-dimensional and temporal understanding of cellular processes.
Video Clip of Student Molecular Botulinum Toxin Skits. 
This activity strives to:
- Teach the basic principles behind receptor-mediated
endocytosis, vesicle recycling and trafficking,
proteolysis, and quaternary protein structures.
- Move students away from a static view of cellular
processes to one that is more dynamic.
- Encourage students to consider how the cell responds
both temporally and spatially to extracellular signals
and environmental variables
- Highlight the benefit of fluid membranes, receptors
and ligands with varying binding affinities, and
regulated signaling cascades that allow for specific
protein interactions.
- Emphasize the relationship between molecular structure
and function and connect this to enzyme specificity.
- Appreciate the benefits of rational drug design.
This Activity contains one Assignment,
a set of Teaching Notes
and (for instructors) a Molecular
Skit Overview.
Assignment:
Structure, Function and Dynamics Molecular Skit
Teaching Notes
For a downloadable/printable
version in PDF format of these pages visit Core
Materials
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