IHS / Biology
’Zyme time!
Making a Flipbook of Enzyme Catalysis
Cells are powered by thousands of chemical reactions linked in a complex,
interconnected web of chemical activity. On their own, most of these reactions
would occur too slowly to support life. Inside the cell, however, they take place
briskly and specifically (i.e., only the desired products are formed) thanks to
nature's catalysts*, the enzymes. Enzymes are proteins. As you know, proteins
(also called polypeptides) are long chains of amino acid monomers. Needless to
say, the three-dimensional structures of enzymes are very complex. It is estimated that the human body
contains thousands of enzymes, each with its own unique structure, each catalyzing either a single
reaction or a set of closely related reactions.
Considering the complexity of the molecules and reactions, all enzyme-catalyzed reactions are actually
pretty similar in how they proceed:
Enzyme
Substrate(s) --------> Product(s)
“Enzyme” is written over the arrow to indicate that the reaction is catalyzed. The reactant molecule on
which the enzyme works is called the substrate. The molecules produced by the reaction are called
products.
In this project, you will make a flipbook (low-tech movie) to illustrate what happens during a particular
enzyme-catalyzed reaction; both on a molecular level and on the level we can see (macroscopic level).
Materials:
Storyboard (25 frames minimum) in the journals of both partners
25 note cards (one title card and 24 action cards) numbered #1-25
Title cards need: Title, name of enzyme, and period number.
Pens, pencils, colored pencils, colored markers
Rubber band to hold cards together
Directions for the MOLECULAR side of your flipbook:
1. Each partner prepares in his/her journal a numbered storyboard of catalysis. Make Frame # 1 your
flipbook’s title card.
2. Frames # 2 and # 25 should show the enzyme, alone – enzymes are re-used.
3. Study the three-part diagram below. Think of its pictures as snapshots of an enzyme-catalyzed
reaction in which, for instance, a disaccharide is split into two
monosaccharides. MODIFY THESE PICTURES for your enzyme, its substrate(s) and its
product(s). Then, using the first picture as a guide, draw a similar picture in frame #3 of your
________________________________________________
*Recall that a catalyst accelerates a chemical reaction, but is not itself part of the
reaction (it is used over & over).
Biology
storyboard, and one similar to the second picture in frame #14, and one similar to the third picture
in frame #24. (These snapshot locations are approximate; you can adjust them later.)
4. Figure out and sketch the pictures that would smooth out the action between each of the three
catalysis snapshots. In other words, morph one snapshot into the next!
5. Once you are satisfied with the storyboard, transfer the pictures onto 25 numbered note cards using
a light box, light coming through a window, carbon paper, or other technique. Make the drawings
slightly off to one side of each card so we can grasp the cards on the other side when flipping.
Color them.
6. Check the progress of your flipbook by periodically flipping it. Try to create a smooth, orderly
depiction of catalysis. To make a stage last longer, add a few cards; to shorten it, subtract a few.
7. On card #4 or #5, label the enzyme's substrate(s); on #22 or #23, its product(s).
Scoring Guide to the Flipbook
Must meet card requirements** or flipbook will be returned to the students for reworking.
Achievement levels
Molecular Side
Level 4 – Above
standard
Achieves L-3 and is exceptionally
creative or has very smooth
animation. (100%)
Level 3 – On
standard
Accurately and logically depicts
catalysis: enzyme, substrate(s),
enzyme-substrate complex,
product(s), and active site (fits
substrates). Color adds clarity. (93%)
Level 2 – In
progress
Minor inaccuracies in how E, S, ESC,
P, and/or AS are depicted; or is
lacking color. 80%
Level 1 – Novice
Major inaccuracies/shortcuts in
depicting E, S, ESC, P, and/or AS.
(70%)
**25 numbered cards; Molecular side: title card #1; action cards #2-25