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Deoxyribonucleic Acid Surely this molecule is the one that needs no introduction: the double helix that holds the genes of all life on Earth. Its discovery, about 50 years ago, was the defining moment of modern biology. Its two helical backbones wrap around the outside, holding the A-T and G-C base pairs in place like the steps of a spiral staircase. This sculpture is a 3D model laser-etched into an optically perfect crystal. At 2" square by 3 1/8" tall it makes a convenient paperweight.
Too small? Mega DNA is here. |
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The Self-Replicating Molecule DNA's structure is shown here as a wireframe, giving the location of each atom and bond in the two sugar-phosphate backbones and the central bases. Hydrogen bonds are dotted lines: A-T pairs are connected by two of them, and G-C pairs by three. Nineteen base pairs are shown, which is a tiny fragment of a real gene. The translucent veil around the atoms is the molecular surface, which defines (more or less) the volume where water or solvent can reach. In addition to being beautiful, this surface brings out the overall shape of the helix, with its major and minor grooves.
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Data for this model comes from the Protein Data Bank. The molecular surface was
calculated by GRASS, created by Murad Nayal and Ben Hitz with NSF funding.
The DNA Crystal comes with clear rubber feet to avoid scratches on
your desk or mantel. Without a stand, it works best against a
dark background.
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Deep Symmetry of Life For anyone who loves life science, the DNA Crystal offers a look into biomolecular structure: a research-quality model of the molecule that holds our master plan. |
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