A Rigorous Investigation
The Relationships Between Cellular Respiration, Muscle Contraction, and Rigor Mortis
Author(s)
Abstract
In this directed case study, students investigate the cause of death in an incident that occurs late at night in a research lab. The overall goal of the case is to make the abstract concepts involved in cellular respiration more accessible to students. Developed for an introductory biology class, the case could easily be adapted for a more advanced biochemistry class.
Objectives
- Review the basic steps of ATP production (i.e., cellular respiration and fermentation).
- Identify the molecular steps involved in muscle contraction.
- State the importance of ATP generation to muscle contraction.
- Understand the relationship between rigor mortis and muscle contraction.
Keywords
Rigor mortis; adenosine triphosphate; ATP; muscle contraction; cellular respirationTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
DirectedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Biochemistry |
Date Posted
07/03/03Teaching Notes
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Answer Key
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