UCSF ChimeraX Home Page
UCSF ChimeraX is a powerful molecular visualization and analysis software. It allows users to build, view, and analyze complex 3D molecular structures, aiding in research and education within the bioinformatics field.
Overview
Added
March 17, 2026
Subject & domain
computer-science-advanced · bioinformatics
Grade range
Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)
Pricing
Free
Page kind
Service
Introduction
UCSF ChimeraX Cartoon Ribbon Rendering
- Ribbon Geometry: Cartoon ribbons pass through the exact α-carbon positions for helices and coils, but are smoothed by default for β-strands.
- Smoothing Mechanics: β-strand smoothing can be adjusted on a continuous scale from 0 (off) to 1.0 (fully on).
- Tethering: When sidechains are displayed, a tether is automatically drawn to connect them to the ribbon if they are detached; tether appearance is customizable.
- Granular Control: Smoothing adjustments can be applied globally or to specific residues.
- Command Syntax: The
cartooncommand (e.g.,cartoon :139,164 smooth 0) allows for precise, residue-specific control over ribbon smoothing without affecting the rest of the structure. - Example Case: Mandelate racemase (PDB 2mnr) is used as a reference to demonstrate the visual difference between smoothed and unsmoothed ribbon positions.
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