Learning MacroMols VR

Welcome to “Learning MacroMols VR”

Learning MacroMols VR is a mobile app where you can experience
macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, carbohydrates and protein structures (from the PDB – Protein Data Bank) in a virtual reality, using Google Cardboards. Macromolecules typically contain hundreds of atoms, in smaller subunits called monomers. In this app the following macrocycles are available.

DNA – is a macromolecule that carries the genetic instructions used in all living organisms. DNA generally consists of two strands coiled around each other forming the famous double helix. DNA strands are termed polynucleotides since they are composed of monomers called nucleotides.

RNA – is a macromolecule essential in biological roles such as coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. RNA is assembled as one chain of nucleotides. In contrast to DNA it is often in the form of a single-strand, folded onto itself.

Carbohydrates – polysaccharides (e.g. cellulose) are polymeric carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together.

Natural products – are chemical compounds produced by living organisms.Here we display the macrocyclic natural product cyclosporine, used as immunosuppressant medication.

Proteins – are macromolecules consisting of chains of amino acid monomers.Proteins perform a number of functions within living organisms. Most drug molecules exert their effect by binding to proteins. In this app, the X-ray crystal structure of human insulin (PDB: 3E7Y), a protein-ligand complex of plasminogen (kringle 1) with the bound fibrinolysis inhibitor AZD6564 and a scope of the binding-site of human acetylcholinesterase in complex with the anti- Alzheimers disease drug Donepezil (PDB: 4EY7) can be experienced.

Instructions – The Google Cardboard button (or tapping on the screen) can be used to stop/freeze the view, otherwise you travel in the direction you are facing. Or connect a wireless controller and steer with the joystick. The speed can be set in the settings menu.

We, EduChem VR (http://educhem-vr.com), create immersive virtual reality world of atoms and molecules, while playing. All molecules are 3D objects and one very efficient way to learn more and deeper about atoms and bonds is by VR.

Please feel free to reach out to us.
We love feedback .
Good luck!
EduChem VR, http://www.educhem-vr.com/#contact