Molecular Sculptures
Year: 2001 Authors: Edgar Meyer; W. John Tollett, Jr.
Core claim
Natural-material molecular sculptures can extend two-dimensional graphics into durable 3-D models that support scientific visualization and teaching.
Topics
molecular visualization, protein structure, scientific sculpture, science education
Domains
geometric scaling, 3-D modeling, spatial representation, sculpture, wood and stone craft, visual design
Methods
scaled model construction, bas relief, 3-D fabrication
Media
Paper text
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BRIDGES Mathematical Connections in Art, Music, and Science
Molecular Sculptures
Edgar Meyer and W. John Tollett, Jr.* Biographics Laboratory Texas A&M University College Station, Texas 77843-2128 USA
Biological macromolecules are essential for life but are too small to be seen by the unaided eye. While this year marks the 30th anniversary of the use of computer networking to link the science (crystallography), the data base (Protein Data Bank) and the graphics display that makes it possible to visualize models of molecules, graphical images are inherently two-dimensional and are generally ephemeral.
We here report initial efforts to create scaled molecular models in natural materials (wood, stone, metal, etc.). Previous results include bas relief and 3-D models of amino acids and enzyme active sites atoms (http://www.tamu.edu/struct/research/molecular-sculptures degrades organophosphate nerve gasses and pesticides /acs-examples/examples.htm) and especially a scaled model of the active site of an enzyme which degrades such toxic compounds: (http://www.tamu.edu/struct/research/molecular-sculptures/acs-OPH/oph-wild.htm).
Over the next few months we shall be constructing scaled models of the active site of two enzymes, prostaglandin synthetase and insect cellulase: For several hundred years it has been known that an extract of willow tree bark (aspirin) helps relieve pain and reduce fevers. This is also the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the mode of action of aspirin, which covalently blocks access to the active site of the enzyme, prostaglandin synthetase. We have been commissioned by the Boston Museum of Science to construct a scaled model of this enzyme: http://www.tamu.edu/struct/research/molecular-sculptures/scaled-models/acs-models
For most of the last century, “conventional wisdom” has held that termites rely on symbionts to supply the enzymes (cellulases) needed to decompose wood cellulose. It is not widely known nor appreciated, but scientists in Australia and Japan have demonstrated that termites produce endogenous cellulase. We have determined the structure of the first insect (termite) cellulase, from Nasutitermes takasagoensis, to 1.4Å resolution. This model will be used to help teach high school chemistry classes.
The methods used to construct these models have been briefly described: http://www.tamu.edu/struct/research/molecular-sculptures/acs-process/process.htm
The inherent beauty of molecular architecture inspires us to abstract and depict atoms in wood and stone, e.g., the trinitatis series. Future work will include exploring other materials and depicting atomic interactions in eye-pleasing forms.
We wish to acknowledge the financial support of the US National Science Foundation (DBI-9974723), the Robert A. Welch Foundation, the State of Texas Advanced Technology Program, and a gift of equipment from the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory.
*Current address: A&M Consolidated High School, College Station, TX 77840 USA