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Activation energy: Kickstarting chemical reactions - Vance Kite

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Chemical reactions are constantly happening in your body -- even at this very moment. But what catalyzes these important reactions? Vance Kite explains how enzymes assist the process, while providing a light-hearted way to remember how activation energy works.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Adriana Santamaría
  • Producer José Alejandro Plata
  • Animator Martha Perea
  • Educator Vance Kite
  • Narrator Vance Kite
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Enzymes: You heard a little about Sam and his team of MODS, but what is an enzyme and what is its role in a chemical reaction? Find out more about enzymes through this video lecture http://thelabatcma.com/2012/08/enzymes/ and this online learning module http://www.ck12.org/concept/Enzymes#all
Enzyme Catalyzed Reactions: Most of us learn best by doing. Each of these virtual labs will help you to understand different factors that can affect the activity of enzymes. http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_11/BL_11.html and http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/Launch?id=1
Activation Energy: The idea of activation energy is critical to any biological process. This resource will provide a basic overview of the concept and some further application. http://www.ck12.org/concept/Activation-Energy/?ref=%2Fconcept%2FActivation-Energy
Real World: Sometimes appreciating the role of invisible molecules, such as enzymes, is easier when it can be placed in the context of our everyday experiences. http://www.npr.org/search/index.php?searchinput=enzymes, http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/enzymes, and http://www.radiolab.org/2012/apr/02/

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Adriana Santamaría
  • Producer José Alejandro Plata
  • Animator Martha Perea
  • Educator Vance Kite
  • Narrator Vance Kite

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