Molecular Model Lending Library

Enzymes in Action Kit

The Enzymes in Action Kit^© creates catalytic connections with models. The kit’s colorful foam pieces represent enzymes, which speed up chemical reactions within cells, and substrates, the small molecules upon which enzymes act. The protein model kit allows you to:

• Simulate enzymatic actions.
• Explain enzymatic specificity.
• Investigate 2 types of enzyme inhibitors used in regulating enzymatic activity.
• Examine how an enzyme may affect activation energy. 

Each 3-group set contains 30 foam pieces (6 gray enzymes, 3 red substrates, 3 tan incompatible substrates, 3 purple competitive inhibitors, 3 blue noncompetitive inhibitors, and 6 green pieces to show catabolism and 6 orange pieces to show anabolism) and 3 sheets of stickers.

Teacher Resources:

Enzymes in Action Kit© Contents and Assembly

Find information about the contents of your Enzymes in Action Kit©, and directions for affixing the stickers on the foam pieces.

Enzymes in Action Kit© Molecule of the Month

The Molecule of the Month by scientist, author and artist Dr. David Goodsell includes an introduction to the structure and function of the chosen molecule and a discussion of its relevance to human health and welfare. Molecule of the Month articles are frequently referred to by teachers, students and researchers.

Enzymes in Action Kit© Student Handout & Key

Enzymes in Action Kit© Next Generation Science Standards

Connections to: A Framework for K-12 Science Education Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas