This weekend I build the wireframe for my protein project (see left). It looks much better in person than in the picture
, but still needs some added volume around the wires to give it more form. I plan to do this with silicone I got from Home Depot. Silicone is the rubber-like material that is typically used as a sealant for tiles. I found that silicone is easy to apply and sculpt, but maintains its shape if left alone.
Right is the structure of one of the chains of GFP (PDB ID: 1gfl). The general shape looks similar to the wire model. Something I noticed, though, is that the model has the opposite orientation for the helix. Oops! I suspect that this detail will not significantly interfere with the intention of the composition. Time permitting, I may correct the orientation in the future.
Today, I am planning on visiting Home Depot again to obtain more silicon and some paints.