Abstract
This case study introduces students to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and its underlying genetics, cell biology, and some of the associated biochemical pathways. DMD is an X-linked disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to the absence of a protein called dystrophin, which in turn causes degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. There is currently no established cure for this disease. The case follows the progress of “Casey,” an undergraduate student who has just declared her biology major and is interested in expanding her scientific understanding of the different fields of biology. The case is organized in three parts: genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry, each exploring DMD through its unique lens. Throughout the case, Casey is presented with multiple outlets of information, including class lectures, direct e-mail interaction with a professor, scientific journals and websites, from which she (and any student engaged with the case) gathers knowledge about DMD.