Seeing & Feeling How Enzymes Work Using Tangible Models

This article presents a tangible model used to help students tackle some misconceptions about enzyme actions, particularly the induced-fit model, enzyme–substrate complementarity, and enzyme inhibition. The model can simulate how substrates induce a change in the shape of the active site and the role of attraction force during enzyme–substrate binding. It can also be used to show how noncompetitive inhibitors work differently from competitive inhibitors. In addition, the model allows students to visualize the random collisions between enzymes and substrates. For kinesthetic learners, this tangible model is likely to foster better comprehension of the unobservable enzyme concepts than computer animations. Uses of the model in the classroom are suggested. The model is readily made using simple materials that school teachers can easily acquire, and detailed production tips are provided.