The ribosome is the enzyme that translates genes into proteins. All life on earth is dependant on ribosomes, and unlike most other enzymes, the active site (as well as most of the enzyme structure) is made of RNA! Learn more here http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/101/motm.do?momID=121

This ribosome is from the pdb structures 2wdk and 2wdl. I painted the tRNAs in the A, P, and E sites red, green, and blue, respectively.

Instructions

I printed this on my ultimaker with 0.16 mm layer height, 0.5mm extrusion width, using KISSlicer with support setting on dense.

I printed the support at 100% flow rate which made it really hard and difficult to remove. I recommend printing with 70% support flow rate but I was having some issues with raft warping (which is why I went to 100%) and didn't realize it until after the print was done. If your print bed is adequately sticky you shouldnt have any issues printing with 70% support flow rate, which should make support removal a LOT easier.

Needless to say be aware there is a huge amount of support peeling necessary. The result is worth it, though.

Category: Biology