Peer Review

The Citric Acid Cycle

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Dec 23, 2020 by Chemistry

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This animation contains material describing the significance of the citric acid cycle. This animation includes what intermediates are involved in this process as well as carbon's role in the process.
Type of Material:: Animation
Recommended Uses:: It can be used during lecture as a light introduction to the citric acid cycle; it would be a nice homework too. Students wanting a refresher on the cycle will find this material useful. This material can be used as a tutorial for biochemistry students. It has two interactive exercises that could be used for homework assignments.
Technical Requirements:: No specific requirements.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The learning goals are to describe and animate the steps of the citric acid cycle. The user should understand how to write the balanced equation for the citric acid cycle at the end of the tutorial. The user should know the structures of specified intermediates in the cycle. The user should understand that the citric acid cycle is essential to the metabolism of several carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
Target Student Population:: This material is designed for undergraduate Biochemistry students. However, the authors deem it useful for students in middle school through upper division. Students that are taking biochemistry or cell physiology will benefit most.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: There has to be a general understanding of general chemistry and organic chemistry to be able to get the most out of this site.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The content is presented in a very concise manner. The Ferris wheel model used to simplify certain steps in the cycle is very easy to understand. The content is complete, appropriate and the approach is very well thought out.
Concerns:: None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: This will most certainly help students understand what is happening during the citric acid cycle. The illustrations present the steps clearly and colorfully. The animation allows the student to navigate back and forth as needed and it is easy to use. This item is very versatile in that it can be used as a tutorial or it can be used for an in-class demonstration and explained as each step is viewed.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The animation allows the student to navigate back and forth as needed and it is easy to use. Everything is well labeled and intuitive to use. This is very user friendly. All a user has to do is click on a link. You can also mouse over certain structures to determine its true chemical structure.
Concerns:: None

Other Issues and Comments:: Excellent introduction to biochemical concepts. The animations really makes the whole topic easier to approach and understand. Narration would allow students who learn auditorially to benefit from the tutorial.
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