Molecular visualization of real B-form DNA

This web page uses the open-source Java Applet program Jmol, a proposed platform-independent replacement for Chime and Rasmol, neither of which is available in an OS X native version. You will need a relatively recent Java Virtual Machine to use it.

The buttons below are generally intended to be clicked in order. For more sophisticated commands, bring up a console window with a right-click/control click in the Jmol window.

This page shows a view generated in Pymol similar to the final rendering below, emphasizing the spine of hydration/sodium.

This is real B-DNA from Loren Williams group, PDB ID 355D. Note that it is not perfect B-form: groove widths vary, base pairs roll and tilt, there are several buckled or propellor-twisted base pairs.The "NMR" view doesn't work, because as an X-ray structure this has no hydrogens.

Go to big real B-DNA

Go to small real B-DNA

Go to big ideal B-DNA

Go to small ideal B-DNA

Go to big ideal A-RNA

Go to small ideal A-RNA
DNA/RNA tutorial home. Teaching resources. J. Kahn home page.