The 50th Anniversary of the Watson and Crick DNA Structure

This year, scientists are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the three-dimensional structure of DNA. Viewing complex macromolecular structures, such as DNA, has become easier to do in the classroom with the recent release of the free, Web-based molecular visualization program, Protein Explorer. Reported here are five self-guided tutorials designed for beginners that introduce the user to DNA structure, to current DNA research, and to the basic Protein Explorer commands. These tutorials on a timely, interesting subject will hopefully inspire educators to incorporate molecular visualization into their chemistry lectures and curriculum.