The reaction process of copper–aluminum displacement in agar gel was observed at the microscopic level with a stereomicroscope; pine-like branches of copper crystals growing from aluminum surface into gel at a constant rate were observed. Students were asked to make hypotheses on the pattern formation and design new research approaches to prove their hypotheses. Results of the experiments designed by students well proved the existence of microcells in reaction system, which caused continuous growth of copper branches. The whole experimental teaching process motivated students by stimulating their interest and enthusiasm.Keywords: Electrochemistry; First-Year Undergraduate/General; Hands-On Learning/Manipulatives; High School/Introductory Chemistry; Inquiry-Based/Discovery Learning; Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary; Laboratory Instruction; Oxidation/Reduction;

The influence of copper(II) ions on the binding of Pazufloxacin (PFLX), which is a forth generation quinolone antimicrobial agent, to calf thymus DNA (CTDNA) has been investigated by fluorescence, absorption spectroscopy and viscosity measurement. The results show that PFLX and Cu2+ can form binary complex with mole ratio 2:1, PFLX and CTDNA can form complex mediated by Cu2+. A ternary system of PFLX–Cu2+–DNA were proposed. The experimental results show that the PFLX binds to CTDNA by two kinds of binding modes, intercalative mode and groove binding mode.