PyMOL is an open source molecular visualization system designed to enable users to visualize, animate, and analyze 3D molecular structures. It was created by Warren Lyford DeLano in 1998 and since then has become one of the most popular molecular visualization programs in the world.
PyMOL is a commercial and open-source product, with a variety of versions ranging from a full-featured professional edition to a freely distributed academic version.
PyMOL's features include:
1. Structural Visualization: PyMOL enables users to visualize and manipulate 3D molecular structures. It supports a wide variety of file formats, including PDB, XYZ, CIF, and GRO. It offers powerful tools for manipulating structures, including rotating, zooming, and panning.
2. Rendering: PyMOL features several rendering styles, including ray-traced, cartoon, and stick. Users can customize the appearance of structures with a variety of colors and textures.
3. Animation: PyMOL supports the creation of animations, with support for a variety of file formats, including AVI, MPEG, and Flash.
4. Analysis: PyMOL offers a variety of analysis tools, including visualization of electrostatic potentials, surface analysis, and distance measurements.
5. Molecular Mechanics: PyMOL provides support for a variety of molecular mechanics models, including AMBER, CHARMM, and GROMACS.
6. Scripting: PyMOL supports a variety of scripting languages, including
Python and Tcl. This allows users to write their own scripts to automate tasks or create custom visualizations.
7. Plugins: PyMOL provides a number of plugins that extend its functionality. These include plugins for visualization of protein-ligand complexes, calculation of Ramachandran plots, and analysis of electrostatic potentials.
8. Community Support: PyMOL has a large active user community, with a variety of mailing lists, forums, and tutorials.
PyMOL is an incredibly powerful and versatile molecular visualization program. It is easy to use and offers a wide variety of features and tools for visualizing, manipulating, and analyzing 3D molecular structures. Whether you are a professional chemist or just starting out, PyMOL is an excellent choice for your molecular visualization needs.
PyMOL allows for easy visualization and analysis of 3D molecular structures.