Prelude to the Case

In this case study, students encounter a rare genetic disease in which an enzyme is deficient in a critical metabolic pathway—the first step in aerobic respiration. This case challenges students to make connections between energy production, enzymes, and metabolic diseases. Students are exposed to a real life story that serves as a basis for discussing the uses of energy-rich molecules and the importance of complex metabolic pathways catalyzed by protein enzymes. Overall, students should appreciate the importance of each step in a metabolic pathway and the side effects as well as treatments that can emerge from discovering the underlying enzyme deficiency.

This “clicker” case was designed to be presented in a class that uses personal response systems, better known as “clickers.” The case study is presented in class via PowerPoint, with multiple-choice questions sprinkled throughout the “lecture.” Students are expected to answer the questions as they arise using their clickers. Many instructors allow students to consult with their neighbor before clicking in their answer. The entire approach encourages student participation even in the largest of classes. The use of clickers in combination with case studies is described in greater detail in the article “Clicker” Cases: Introducing Case Study Teaching Into Large Classrooms.

Date Posted: July 27, 2009.