Expert: Walter Hintz - 8/1/2008

Question
hey, not sure if you are the correct person to ask about this one, but everyone else is on vacation!! I am having trouble understanding the Kreb Cycle. In my text it is explained in a very detailed way, however we only need to know a general overview of the cycle. I can't seem to pin point the important stages, as i attempt to write a summary for study notes. Any suggestions??

Kind Regards,
Sarah

Answer
 Hi Sarah
I always tell my students that to understand concepts like Krebs they must look at the whole picture and not rely on memorizing isolted bits of information.  You can memorize each step of the krebs cycle and still have no idea what it is about.  So here is what you should do. Ask yourself the big question "What is the function of the krebs cycle and how does it work?" Now read all the materials, examine the diagrams and put aside all notes and the book. Now write out in complete sentences the answer to the question. Write a story about the krebs cycle.  Do not refer to your notes. When you are done look at the materials again.  Did you answer the question?  If not then throw away you answer, close the book, and do it all over again and keep doing it until you get it right.  I guarantee that you will not only understand it but you will remember it.
 Use thsi method with all other science concepts