BiochemAR: An Augmented Reality Educational Tool for Teaching Macromolecular Structure and Function

Using 2-dimensional (2D) images in order to teach about 3 dimensional (3D) molecules can limit the ability of students to grasp key visuospatial elements of 3D macromolecular structures, including depth perception and a sense of scale. The lack of simple, accessible, and easy-to-use teaching tools for visualizing and interacting with (i.e., rotating, translating, zooming) 3D virtual representations of macromolecular structure also continues to be a limitation for biochemistry instructors interested in incorporating more 3D visualizations in their classrooms. To address this current gap in available instructional tools, a novel app utilizing augmented reality (AR) technology to visualize macromolecular structures is described. The app allows users to easily visualize and manipulate the 3D structure of the potassium channel and is accompanied by a set of curricular materials to facilitate app implementation during a discussion on membrane transport. The app is free to download on both iOS and Android systems, is suitable for use on mobile and tablet systems, and is aimed for target audiences ranging from introductory to advanced undergraduate levels.