Development of a hands‐on learning activity on potential DNA damage and skin cancer for a nursing biochemistry class

Abstract

Skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US (about 4.3 million cases/year). Prolonged exposure to sunlight is one of the major causes of skin cancer due to mutations in the DNA. Ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiations in the region of 290–320 nm of the solar spectrum are absorbed by basal keratinocyte cells resulting in mutated DNA leading to cancer. We developed a two‐part active learning experience for the nursing biochemistry class. Part I: In this activity, the relative intensity of UV radiation at 308 nm in the absence and presence of sunscreen was measured using a UVX Digital Radiometer‐UVX31 Sensor by first‐year nursing students in a biochemistry course at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). A class of 20 students brought in their own commercially available sunscreens to class. Students tested the sunscreens’ ability to block the UVB light. A thin layer of sunscreen was applied to a plastic wrap sheet and placed between the UV source and the sensor. Students compared the intensity of the UV light (in mW/cm2) transmitted through an uncoated and coated plastic wrap. They then observed that different commercial sunscreens have different abilities to block UV light.DNA damage by UVB causes mutations due to the development of cyclobutane‐pyridine photodimers commonly recognized as thymine‐thymine (T‐T) dimers. Part II: Students made connections between the real‐life classroom activity performed in Part I and a three‐dimensional physical model of DNA segment (crystal structure source entries: ndb UD0053 or PDB 1SM5) showing the formation of the T‐T dimer using a hand‐held model and images. The model was constructed by 3D‐printing. Students were challenged to locate the T‐T dimers in the model and discuss the possible impact of the change in the DNA structure.The activity motivated the nursing biochemistry students and enhanced their learning experience with DNA mutations by directly relating it to everyday products such as sunscreens and a 3‐D model showing the biochemical DNA damage which could lead to skin cancer. Additionally, the two‐part activity enhanced one‐on‐one student‐faculty interactions in the classroom. In the future we plan to conduct an in‐depth quantitative educational study to understand the benefits of this active learning exercise as compared to traditional classroom instruction.Support or Funding InformationSummer professional development grant, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI. Center for BioMolecular Modeling (CBM), Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI.