# Chimera X Interface to Enhance Understanding in Biochemistry and Immunology

## TL;DR

This paper introduces educational tutorials using ChimeraX to improve understanding of protein structure and function in biochemistry and immunology through interactive 3D visualization.

## Contribution

The study introduces validated, interactive tutorials using ChimeraX to teach protein structure-function relationships in biochemistry and immunology.

## Key findings

- Tutorials using ChimeraX were validated in a microbiology class and found to be clear and applicable.
- The tutorials effectively integrate bioinformatics into health-related education through visual and interactive methods.
- ChimeraX allows manipulation and visualization of 3D molecules, aiding in understanding molecular interactions.

## Abstract

Proteins are essential in biological systems, acting in transport, catalysis, and immune defense processes. However, these biomolecules' structural and functional complexity makes teaching and understanding these topics challenging. To address this difficulty, this study aimed to develop tutorials that facilitate learning and teaching about proteins based on structural analysis and molecular visualization through the interactions of the antigen–antibody complex. Thus, the ChimeraX platform was chosen as the central tool due to its intuitive interface and features that allow the manipulation and visualization of three‐dimensional molecules, such as proteins, DNA, and chemical compounds, in .pdb format. The software combines visual and analytical functions, covering from basic to advanced aspects, adapting to the user's level of knowledge. The study presented three practical tutorials: (i) presentation of the tool, (ii) focusing on immunology, and (iii) addressing aspects of biochemistry. These tutorials demonstrated how to use ChimeraX to explore the relationship between protein structure and function, highlighting topics such as molecular interactions and other relevant biochemical processes. In addition, the Tutorials 1 and 2 were validated through the application in a microbiology undergraduate class, followed by a questionnaire and CVI analysis, which confirmed their clarity, relevance, and applicability, reinforcing their role as effective resources for integrating bioinformatics into health‐related courses. Thus, the study contributes to disseminating knowledge methods and tools that enable more dynamic and accessible learning through visual and interactive approaches.