Biochemist-tree: Using modular origami to understand the integration of intermediary metabolism

Intermediary metabolism can be a complex area to study due to the inherent modularity of the catabolic biochemical processes. This article outlines a novel, cost-effective, and universally applicable teaching activity to enhance students understanding of the inter-relationship between the key processes of intermediary metabolism. A simple origami model, the "Biochemist-Tree" has been developed as a learning activity for intermediary metabolism, and its implementation was assessed. This modular origami model involves folding individual layers of the model, which must then be constructed into a "tree" with the metabolic process flowing correctly from macromolecules to ATP production from the electron transport chain/oxidative phosphorylation. Forty-eight students were provided with the activity as a revision tutorial exercise toward the end of a module on the introduction to biochemistry. The findings from this study show that the students found the activity to be interesting (>75%), scientifically useful (95%), and would recommend other students (85%) using this for their revision of catabolic metabolism. The novel nature of the exercise meant that it was engaging for the students and one that they also felt improved the understanding of the integration of the metabolic processes included. Further to being a one-off test of student understanding, the inclusion of key molecular structures and pathway steps helps to further embed these as a reference sources for revision.