This puzzle embeds 46 names, terms, abbreviations, and acronyms about the citric acid (Krebs) cycle in a 14- x 17-letter matrix. A descriptive narrative beside it describes important features of the pathway. All the terms a student needs to find are embedded there with the first letter followed by underlined blanks to be completed. Therefore, the students usually must find the terms to know how to spell them, correctly fill in the blanks in the narrative with the terms, and then find and highlight the terms in the letter matrix. When all are found, the 24 unused letters complete a sentence that describes a major feature of this central pathway. The puzzle may be used as homework, an extra-credit project, or a group project in the classroom in any course where basic metabolism is learned. It disguises as fun the hard work needed to learn the names of the intermediates, enzymes, and cofactors.
More Information
Citation
Helser, Terry L. J. Chem. Educ.2001 78 515.
Keywords
Biochemistry; Humor / Puzzles; Metabolism; Nomenclature / Units / Symbols; Teaching / Learning Aids
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