This set of web pages 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. Currently the page runs Jmol 11.4.5.
Here is the color coding scheme used in many of the scripts:
| Major groove -- red Minor groove -- yellow |
Watson-Crick H-bonding face -- blue major groove and WC face -- purple major groove and WC face -- green |
backbone -- white, with orange P atoms other atoms -- brown. Sugar protons not shown. imino protons -- pink |
The buttons below the Jmol window are generally intended to be clicked in order. There are some glitches if you show/hide waters. For more sophisticated commands, bring up a console window with a right-click/control click in the Jmol window.
The list on the right takes you to each of the other Jmol pages in the DNA/RNA tutorial.If your screen is large enough, use the "big" pages.