Instructions
 

Set-up

  1. Insulin: Structure of a Protein Hormone is an HTML and JavaScript based tutorial using the web browser plug-in Chime. You must have the Chime plug-in, and Netscape Navigator (with JavaScript enabled). If you are unfamiliar with the use of Chime-based tutorials such as this one, we recommend that you first complete our introductory Chime Tutorial.

  2. If your computer is not set up correctly, or you need to download either Netscape Navigator or the Chime plug-in, see our Chime Setup Page.

Tips on Using this Tutorial

  1. The molecular model responds to all mouse controls, such as zoom and rotate, and to the settings in the Chime pop-up menu. A summary of mouse commands is available.

  2. Many of the buttons trigger animated sequences. Some of these sequences include brief pauses for effect before making substantial changes in the appearance of the molecule. Please be patient! If you start pressing other buttons before the currently running animation is finished, Netscape may get confused. When an animated sequence is finished, the message "Chime Script Completed" will appear down in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window.

  3. This tutorial is designed to be used in a linear fashion. Although many of the buttons will work in any order, it is possible that the model may get confused if Chime scripts are executed in an unexpected order. If the model gets strange, press the Reset button.

Troubleshooting

  1. If the Chime model loads properly, but nothing happens when you push the buttons, your browser may not have JavaScript enabled.

    • Open the Netscape Preferences dialog, and find the section called Advanced. Make sure the two boxes "Enable Java" and "Enable JavaScript" are checked.

    If the buttons still don't work, your browser may not be properly configured to use Chime scripts.

    • Open the Netscape Preferences dialog, and find the section for Helper Applications. There should be a listing for the mime type application/x-spt, with extension (suffix) spt, handled by the Chime plug-in. If not, you will need to register the mime type by adding this information.

    Note:  If you are using a computer on your school's network, it may be protected by security software. If so, you will probably be unable to make these changes yourself. Ask your instructor or lab assistant to do this for you.

  2. If you find any bugs, or have suggestions for added features, please contact me at [email protected].

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