This model depicts the DNA polymerase from phage phi29 using blue to show light elements (Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen) and orange for heavier elements (Phosphorus and Sulfur). Such polymerases are used in DNA sequencing to slow down the DNA as it passes through a nanopore, enabling efficient nucleotide detection.

Technical

The model was downloaded in PDB format and loaded into ParaView. Atoms are represented by spheres, sized and colored by their element type.

Project

This polymerase was featured as part of the September 2021 Molecule of the Month at the RCSB Protein Data Bank.

What next?

See the molecule of the month here!

See more scientific visualizations here!