Visualizing Michaelis-Menten Dynamics through Animation
MASTER'S RESEARCH PROJECT
This animation looks at the activity of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme in our livers that helps in the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate, a step in metabolism of ethanol. The activity of this enzyme is used to link key concepts of enzyme kinetics to physiological symptoms. The animation employs a humorous and engaging tone to maintain audience interest.
This is my final animation. Click here to see my progress on the 3D scenes.
About the Project
The Michaelis-Menten model of enzyme kinetics is an invaluable predictive tool used in numerous scientific fields. Unfortunately, the daunting mathematical language can be confusing for undergraduate chemistry students who struggle to link together representations of molecular phenomena at the macro- and micro-scopic level. We proposed to create an introductory animation on Michaelis-Menten dynamics that would help create visual context and employ visual metaphors to facilitate undergraduate student comprehension.
Committee
Derek Ng | BSc., MScBMC, PhD, Assistant Professor, Master of Science in Biomedical Communications Program, Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga
Stavroula Andreopoulos | BSc, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto
Jodie Jenkinson |BA, MScBMC, PhD, Assistant Professor, Master of Science in Biomedical Communications Program, Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga
Audience
Undergraduate biochemistry students
Format
3D and 2D animation
Expected Completion Date
July 2017
General Process
For a more in-depth breakdown of my process work, click here.
Research Proposal
As part of the Research Methods course in BMC, I audited existing visual resources for enzyme kinetics and common chemistry teaching techniques. I found that most teaching tools for Michaelis-Menten dynamics were in a lecture style with little to no visuals.
Pre-production
After creating an animatic of my script, I reworked both the script and animatic multiple times until the storyline felt cohesive and the content was understandable and clear. Here are some screenshots from my final animatic, which was used to plan the 3D assets I would need to create my final animation. I made a conscious choice to avoid establishing an aesthetic at this stage.
Production
Protein structures were pulled from RCSB PDB, 3D models were created and rigged. Camera movement and assets were animated and then textured, lit, and rendered.
Going from the above, clockwise:
A scene of our protein of interest against a molecular backdrop
A 2D segment on how known inhibitors of our protein can result in unpleasant symptoms
A scene for a factory metaphor, with robots acting as enzymes
Post-production
Rendered sequences were brought into After Effects to have post-production effects added (including aesthetic fixes, labels, re-timing of scenes etc). Transitions were added, sound effects were created and audio and video was synced in Adobe Premiere Pro.