Building a Model of Myoglobin
In 1971, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry F. R. Gurd assembled a model of myoglobin. The model was constructed of precicely bent wire segments to represent the amino acids, each fragment fastened to its neighbors using links that were screwed together. Wires were stretched throughout the structure to ensure that the various parts were held in proper alignment. A separate "space-filling" model is visible in the background. Working with an associate, Prof. Gurd required three weeks and an entire 20X30 foot room to assemble the model. Today, a comparable three-dimensional model of myoglobin can be displayed in the StereoView Room in a matter of seconds.
