Cellular signalling made understandable - BIOSS presented a game at Science Days 2010 in Europapark
What happens when too many signalling molecules gather in a cell’s nucleus? The cell begins to divide erratically and proliferate, and eventually this can result in cancer. The reverse scenario, too few molecules in the cell nucleus, can also be fatal. The cell is unable to divide and proliferate in a controlled manner and dies.
This simplified illustration of a complex mechanism in somatic cells helped pupils to understand and visualise what goes on inside an organism at Science Days 2010, an event held in Europapark in Rust from 14 - 16 September.
Eight to twelve pupils played the roles of signalling proteins, kinases and phosphatases in a game developed by BIOSS's spokesperson Michael Reth. The kinases tried to stick signalling molecules on the signalling proteins while the phosphatases tried to snatch these away. When the signalling proteins had collected three signalling molecules, they raced to put them in the nucleus.
Each round lasted five minutes after which the participants counted the molecules gathered in the nucleus and eagerly awaited the results (cancer, cell death or proliferation). Before the game started, participants watched a video demonstrating the complex process of signal transfer.
Despite the rainy, cold weather, the young pupils were happy to take a break from the warm hall where the rest of the Science Days took place to play the game outdoors. BIOSS's helpers in the game had their hands full trying to make sure that everyone followed the rules (especially the 'no running' rule). After the second round, everyone had warmed up. Kids lined up to play, especially during the first two days of Science Days, which were reserved for school students only. BIOSS is pleased with the game's success and is looking forward to organising another exciting event at the next Science Days!
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