App Profile: MoleculeGo

MoleculeGo is a location based app that gamifies the process of learning about molecular biology. In this game, the player collects amino acids, ATP, and DNA sequences, the molecular building blocks used to synthesize proteins. By capturing DNA sequences, the player discovers genes that encode for proteins. These genes provide the user with the necessary "recipe" to synthesize proteins in their own lab, using amino acids and ATP. These proteins can then be combined to construct even larger protein complexes. As the player progresses in the game, new molecules become available and information will become available about each molecule's basic function and how its structure is associated with its molecular role. Players can visit hotspots (schools, parks, hospitals, universities, etc.) to accelerate the discovery of new molecules. While molecules are discovered, players can learn how they are involved in disease, biomedical applications, research, and their function in the cell.