Cats Have Nine Lives, But Only One Liver: The Effects of Acetaminophen
- Author:
- Brahmadeo Dewprashad
- Subject:
- Science and Technology, Social Sciences
- Institution Name:
- National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
- Collection:
- Case Study Teaching in Science
- Grade Level:
- Secondary, Post-secondary
- Grade Sub-Level:
- High School, Community College - Lower Division, College - Upper Division
- Abstract:
In this case, a college student gives her cat Tylenol not knowing its potential harmful effects. The cat survives, but the incident motivates her to research the reaction mechanism underlying the liver toxicity of acetaminophen. The case outlines possible reaction schemes that would explain why acetaminophen-containing products can be toxic to the liver. Students are required to write a detailed mechanism for each. The case also presents evidence from the literature that supports one of the reaction schemes and eliminates the others. Students must identify the correct reaction scheme and mechanism based on this evidence. The case can be used in undergraduate organic chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology courses.
- Languages:
- English
- Material Type:
- Activities and Labs, Lesson Plans
- Media Format:
- Text/HTML, Downloadable docs
- Conditions of Use:
- Read the fine print
- Copyright Holder:
- National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo
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