"Quest" by Bill Barrett

Featured in the Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology

Photo of Sculpture

Physical science describes the interaction of matter and energy. This sculpture represents the interface between physical and biological nature. At the center of the piece is a protein helix and beta strand. The surrounding shapes are bits of matter that dance and mingle through the sculpture's central ribbon. These shapes twist in motion; they move up, down, in front of, and behind the center strand. When viewing the sculpture from different angles and sides, you will see a change in direction and speed. The abstract shapes interact with one another and with the central ribbon in a completely new and invigorating way. Seen on a larger scale, this effect will be all the more pronounced and dynamic, and the interplay between the forms - the energy they create simply by sharing space and being next to one another - results in continuously engaging and viewing experiences, with the overall result being the interactions of matter and energy, as articulated in sculptural form.

"HIV Protease Inhibitor Binding"
by Justin MacCallum

With assistance from Christopher Fennell. Click on the image to enlarge.

"Protein Repairing DNA"
by Christopher Fennell

With assistance from Justin MacCallum. Click on the image to enlarge.

"Dispersion Surfaces" by Christopher Fennell

Click on the image to enlarge.

"Protein Folding Landscapes" by Christopher Fennell

Based on funnel landscapes originally concieved by Danny Heap. Click on the image to enlarge.

Each funnel represents a different type of protein-folding energy landscape. (Left) A protein chain may have to negotiate any one of many routes on an energy landscape with valley traps (local minima) and mountain barriers (maxima), on its way down the energy levels to the native state. (Middle) The Levinthal 'golf-course' landscape. The chain searches randomly for its native state on a level playing field of energies. The wide expanse of the high energy landscape represents the many unfolded states; and the landscape funnels down to a single native state at low energy. (Right) Protein folding with a required intermediate is represented by a funnel with a moat. Unfolded proteins in the outer valley must overcome an energy barrier on their way in and out of an intermediate state before they can find the native state.