Cockroaches: an alternative model to teach enzymatic inhibition to undergraduate students

ABSTRACT

Enzymes are organic molecules known for their catalytic nature because they accelerate metabolic reactions inorganisms. The study of enzyme functions and modes of action is essential to understand Biochemistry. This study aimed to analyse the acetylcholinesterase enzymatic activity, as well as the enzymatic inhibition mechanism in practical classes. The enzyme was obtained from the cockroach (Nauphoeta cinerea) head, an alternative model to the use of vertebrates in practical classes. For this study, practical classes were carried out in two undergraduate courses: Biology and Veterinary Medicine. It was observed the knowledge consolidation through the analysis of the answers given to the questionnaire. The students’ enthusiasm to work with animals was evident. This fact led to a better understanding about the subject and more attractive classes.

KEYWORDS:

• Enzymes
• biochemistry teaching
• practical classes
• cockroaches
• AChE
• CPF

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq 311082/2014-9), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/PROEX (23038.005848/2018-31; 0737/2018)).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.