Harvard University has developed an animation that would take their cellular biology students on a journey through the microscopic world of a cell, illustrating mechanisms that allow a white blood cell to sense its surroundings and respond to an external stimulus. What is especially nice is the degree of detail devoted to membrane dynamics and glycosylation mechanisms.

It’s a bit dense and rapid-fire for non-biologists, but play it a few times. There is much to learn here. The motorproteins seem uncannily ‘alive’.

Probably the only thing I don’t like is the cheesy, new-age sounding music. I could think of any number of better soundtracks.

Thanks to Ken Carlin for giving me the heads-up about this gem.

Tags: cell biology | computer animation | glycobiology | motorproteins | protein translation