Simulations of Metabolic Reactions using Excel

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2014, Volume 35

Robert J. Kosinski

Abstract

Microsoft Excel can rapidly create simple simulations. In this exercise, students learn simulation skills by modeling the equilibrium reaction between dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) in glycolysis. First, they create a two-compartment model with constant, literature-based transfer coefficients. Then they add the effect of temperature to their model. Finally, they download a spreadsheet that allows students to vary standard delta G of the reaction. Students are asked to make predictions of how the simulation will turn out for a variety of starting conditions and standard delta Gs, and then test their predictions with the model.

Keywords:  thermodynamics, Microsoft Excel, simulations

University of Calgary (2013)