Protein Shake

Even the building blocks of life are constantly on the move. Here, brightly coloured amino acids jitter around due to tiny, but powerful, molecular forces. Their chemical structures bond together to make proteins, each connected to the whole by a looping ‘backbone’ (pink). These molecular simulations, based on a variety of data fed into a computer model, allow researchers to watch the molecular 'dance' that might otherwise be hidden inside living cells. Zooming in, they might study how proteins fold into 3D shapes to act as tiny machines in life’s processes. Simulations can also make predictions for how changes to the amino acid sequence – caused by genetic mutations – might affect how proteins behave in health and disease. Similar models, albeit with different demands on computer power, might follow multiple proteins as they whirl, vibrate and clash through daily life.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Video in second place, by Dheeraj Prakaash, Khalid Group – Computational Microbiology, Dept of Biochemistry, University of Oxford
• Video category of the University of Oxford's Department of Biochemistry Centenary Scientific Imaging Competition
• Video copyright held by Dheeraj Prakaash