Abstract
THE application of real-time, three dimensional computer graphics to molecular structure studies has been limited so far to rather expensive, dedicated computer display devices1,2 or to fairly simple structures. The frequently used display device has been a black-and-white cathode ray tube3 with a split image or rotating image. This communication discusses the application of a colour television monitor to macromolecular modelling. Even with a small, 4,096 word laboratory computer driving the graphics display, it is now possible to view three dimensional models of large portions of macromolecular structures determined by X-ray diffraction studies. I am now assembling a library of protein structures for three dimensional display in conjunction with the Department of Chemistry, Brookhaven National Laboratory, for educational and research purposes.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Levinthal, C., Sci. Amer., 42 (June 1966).
Levinthal, C., Barry, C. D., Ward, S. A., and Zwick, M., in Emerging Concepts in Computer Graphics (edit. by Nievergelt, J., and Secrest, D.) (Benjamin, New York, 1968).
Barry, C. D., Ellis, R. A., Graesser, S., and Marshall, G. R., in Pertinent Concepts in Computer Graphics (edit. by Faiman, M., and Nievergelt, J.) (University of Illinois Press, Urbana, 1969).
Hirst, D. V., A Programmer's Guide for the Brookhaven Raster Display (BRAD), BCDT-PR-01-0, Bubble Chamber Group, Brookhaven National Laboratory (1968).
Ophir, D., Shepherd, B. J., and Spinrad, R. J., Communications of the ACM, 12, No. 6, 309 (1969).
Ophir, D., and Shepherd, B. J., Nuclear Instrumentation and Methods, 62, 285 (1968).
Meyer, E., J. Appl. Cryst., 3, 392 (1970).
Kennard, O., and Watson, D. G., Molecular Structures and Dimensions (N. V. A. Oesthoek's Uitgevers Mij, Utrecht, 1970).
Meyer, E. F., J. Chem. Soc., 10, 85 (1970).
Watson, H. C., Progress in Stereo Chemistry (edit. by Aylett, B. J., and Harris, M. M.), 4, 229 (Butterworth, London, 1969).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MEYER, E. Interactive Computer Display for the Three Dimensional Study of Macromolecular Structures. Nature 232, 255–257 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/232255a0
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/232255a0
This article is cited by
-
Unintentional parasite conservation success: chewing lice recovered from Crested Ibis, Nipponia nippon, in breeding program facilities in Shaanxi, China
Biodiversity and Conservation (2021)
-
Sharing the structures
Nature (2014)
-
PDB explorer — A web based algorithm for protein annotation viewer and 3D visualization
Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences (2014)
-
Macromolecular structures for undergraduates
Nature (1974)
-
Versatile Interactive Graphics Display System for Molecular Modelling by Computer
Nature (1973)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.