In this tutorial, we’ll explore different methods for modeling, rigging, and animating DNA. There are many ways to approach this macromolecule in Maya and each has its merits depending on what the model will be used for in your scene. We’ll start with a simple ‘plank’ DNA model that is roughly based on what is known about the molecule’s proportions, and then look at different ways to deform it. Next we’ll import a PDB coordinate set for B-DNA and experiment with different representations using particles. These first two methods assume that the helix does not need to unwind and melt. Finally, we’ll go over a programmatic approach to building DNA using PDB data for a single base pair – this method will allow us to twist and unzip the double helix.
Read the rest of this entry »