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| Reviewed: |
Nov 01, 2005 by Biology Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
Animal Physiology/Signal Transduction is one of a series of interactive web-based lessons designed to give introductory undergraduate biology students opportunities to connect biology concepts. Each lesson is a series of screens that breaks the topic down into simple steps and then illustrates the connections between the steps to present the completed concept or process. An understanding of how signals from one part of body to another regulate activities on both a cellular and whole organism is essential to understanding physiology of all living organisms; this site can be used as a supplement to the lecture to allow students to review the topic at their own pace and as many times as desired. In topic 1, students examine generalized components and events of signal transduction, first using the metaphor of a pool game and then in the Fight-or-Flight response. Students will: 1) observe animations of signal transduction in the game of pool, in the organ systems of a student, and in a liver cell responding to adrenalin; and 2) identify components (receptor, intermediaries, target) and events (signal engagement, relay, and interaction with target) in each animation. In topic 2, students delve further into signal transduction with a journey into the olfactory neuron of a mosquito. They look at how lactic acid in human sweat triggers a cellular and behavioral mosquito response. Students: 1) step through an animation of the pathway; 2) reconstruct the sequence of events in the pathway; 3) conduct simulated experiments testing chemical inhibitors of the pathway and the behavior of mosquitoes with mutations in the pathway; and 4) identify molecular amplification and regulatory events. In topic 3,
students use their knowledge of signal transduction to look at estrogen signaling and the potential role that dioxins play in disrupting this pathway in endometriosis. Students: 1) learn about the normal female reproductive cycle and symptoms of endometriosis; 2) step through an animation depicting estrogen signaling in a uterine cell; and 3)complete an investigation (based on actual studies) of the effects of dioxin on the pathway in which they interpret data from experiments, select a model that incorporates experimental results, and explain how dioxin could disrupt the reproductive cycle. The concepts are clearly handled at a macro and intracellular level. A very good help screen is provided to help students use the lessons. The larger site containing the entire series will be very useful at the introductory level |
| Learning Goals: |
To understand signal transduction in animals at the organismal and the cellular levels. |
| Target Student Population: |
High school (AP level) through undergraduate college. |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Students will need to have a basic understanding of cell structure and function as well as human nervous and endocrine systems. |
| Type of Material: |
Tutorial |
| Recommended Uses: |
This site could be used in many ways. 1. As the basis of a classroom lecture presentation. 2. As an out-of-class assignment before the topic is covered in class. 3. As a study tool for students after topic is presented in class. |
| Technical Requirements: |
Use of a current web browser will be required. Macromedia Flash Player 6 plug-in is required. |
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| Strengths: |
- An interesting approach to teaching signal transduction, first letting students see the goal in an abstract way through pool balls, and then going into the cellular details.
- Challenging physiological examples will keep even bright students on their toes.
- High quality animations with interactive questions asking students to explain what is happening at each step.
- Animations clearly connect the different parts of each process into a coherent whole.
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| Concerns: |
- Some animations are fairly small, might be difficult for some students to see what is happening clearly.
- Last unit on endometriosis is a bit confusing, as there really isn't much visible signal transduction happening. Sticking with an example like insulin might be clearer for students.
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:    |
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| Strengths: |
- Very good use of tutorial animations and formative and summative questions.
- Initial concepts taught in a story/game playing (pool game) mode; easier to comprehend and retain.
- Could make assignments based on the tutorial.
- Would be a good companion to a lecture on signal transduction.
- Use of real examples (mosquito biting, student fight or flight response, and endometriosis) makes story more relevant to students.
- Completion of plans for links to assessments and image/animation data bases will greatly enhance the usefulness of the site.
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| Concerns: |
- Some of the analogies are a bit difficult to follow at first, but the students could figure them out by trial and error.
- Would require decent background in lecture, most students would get frustrated trying this without enough background.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
- Well organized, runs smoothly,
no dead links.
- Instructions generally clear, especially when manipulating components and entering animations.
- Definitions of components kept constantly available in a drop down box is an excellent idea.
- Glossary available for selected terms.
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| Concerns: |
- Small size of some images would make use in the classroom difficult.
- No source code availble for the flash animations.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
This series of lessons has outstanding potential for use by faculty and students everywhere. The concepts are broken down to simple parts and then reassembled by an interactive process and animations into a whole. The interactivity and intuitive nature of this lesson make it easier for student to follow the stories used and learn about signal transduction pathways. |
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