Discovering Signal Transduction by Building and Simulating a Bacterial Chemotaxis Model

The building and simulation of biological models is a valuable skill that can deepen student knowledge and promote systems thinking. Signal transduction networks are complex biological communication systems that regulate many interactions between an organism and its surrounding environment, creating dynamic behaviors. Bacterial chemotaxis exemplifies the basic principles of signal transduction and demonstrates core biology concepts like feedback inhibition, systems, and transfer and utilization of information. This system is ideal for learning about modeling. It contains a small number of components while still demonstrating key aspects of signal transduction: how an environmental signal is received and translated into a mechanical behavior and how feedback loops give rise to nonlinear dynamics. Using Cell Collective, we developed a model- and simulation-based lesson to help students grow their computational modeling skills while developing knowledge of these core concepts. Cell Collective and the lesson design allow students to build and simulate a model without extensive background knowledge of the technology or computer programming. It also targets common student misconceptions about the features of complex systems like emergent behaviors and randomness. The lesson contains all resources, assessment questions, and instructions needed for teaching signal transduction and having students practice modeling and system thinking. <em>Primary Image:</em>&nbsp;The bacterial chemotaxis signal transduction network.