MacMolecule2 is designed for use by students of biology, chemistry and allied fields to learn about the structure of molecules. Molecules have defined structures, determined by the types and numbers of atoms in the molecule, the size of the atoms, the location of the atoms in 3-dimensional space, and the bonding between atoms.

You already know how to use Netscape. Here are the basics of using MacMolecule.

The first molecule file you'll open is an amino acid. But, before you go on to that section, study the MacMolecule Interface pictured below. Notice the MacMolecule icon in the applications menu and the menu bar. Scroll down past the picture below to learn about the items in the Tool Bar.

To choose a tool, click once on its icon in the tool bar. When a tool is active, its icon is grayed out in the tool bar.

Click the Pointer tool on an atom to select it.
Click and drag the Hand tool to rotate a molecule.
Click on the image to Zoom in and Zoom out with the magnifying glass tools.
Click the Eraser tool on an atom to hide it.

These tools allow you to view the molecule in different modes. Starting from left to right, the views are wire-frame, ball and stick, space-filling, ribbon outline, and full ribbon.

These tools are for measuring features of the molecule. They will not be used in this activity.