Simulations of Metabolic Reactions using Excel

 

Robert J. Kosinski

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2014, Volume 35

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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)

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