Ubiquitin is a small regulatory protein found in almost all tissues of eukaryotic organisms. The cell attaches short chains of Ubiquitin molecules to proteins, which labels them for destruction and subsequent recycling. The Ubiquitin tag directs proteins to the proteasome, which is a large protein complex in the cell that degrades unneeded proteins back into their amino acid constituents. These are then reused to synthesize new proteins. The constant recycling of proteins not only ensures damaged proteins are removed quickly but also allows rapid regulation of enzyme levels in the cell.
Structurally, Ubiquitin features all of the major structural features of typical proteins including two a-helices a curved b-sheet. Its small size (76 amino acids) makes it one of the most studied proteins for protein folding and dynamics.

Potassium channels form potassium-selective pores that span cell membranes. They are the most widely distributed type of ion channel found in virtually all living organisms. The four identical subunits are situated in a four-fold symmetrical manner around a central pore, which allows potassium ions to pass freely. At the top of the structure, formed by four loops lining the pore, a selectivity filter is situated which prevents other ions (such as sodium ions) from passing. The correct ions are detected by their size and charge. Note that that no active pumping of ions occurs; it merely allows passive conductance of ions down the con-centration gradient between the two sides of the membrane. The KcsA is an archetypal membrane protein with eight tightly packed membrane-spanning a-helices. The four short helices in the center where the chain crosses half the membrane and then returns to the top are a more unusual feature.

Porins are beta-barrel proteins that are situated in the outer membranes of cells or organelles (cellular compartments) and act as pores through which molecules can diffuse. They are present in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and some Gram-positive bacteria. They are also present in the mitochondria of humans and other animals as well as in the chloroplast of plants. The Porin channel is partially blocked by a loop, called the eyelet, which projects into the cavity. In general, it is found between strands 5 and 6 of each barrel, and it defines the size of solute that can traverse the channel. It is lined almost exclusively with charged amino acids arranged on opposite sides of the channel, creating a transversal electric field across the pore. Porins can be chemically selective – transport only one group of molecules, or may be specific for one molecule. For example, for antibiotics to be effective against a bacterium, it must often pass through the outer membrane Porin. Bacteria can develop resistance to the antibiotic by mutating the gene that encodes the Porin – the antibiotic is then excluded from passing through the outer membrane.

NEWS: Groovik's cube goes on world tour in 2014! Help us fund it!

The structure

Groovik’s Cube is a fully playable 35ft high sculpture inspired by the classic puzzle, Rubik’s Cube. It was built in collaboration with Barry Brumitt and a team of artists and engineers from Seattle, WA. It is, to my knowledge, the largest functional Rubik’s Cube structure in the world. Groovik’s Cube is controlled from 3 control stations that surround the main structure. While Groovik’s Cube may be played by just one player, in three player mode each player is able to rotate only one axis, creating an entirely new, collaborative puzzle solving experience.

Groovik's Cube is constructed from a steel frame, and measures 15ft by 15ft by 15ft. It can be erected free-standing; on its corner on top of a 10 foot pole (see picture) with steel cable guy-lines; or it can be hung from steel cables from a large structure or inside a suitably large building. The total weight of the structure is around 2000 lbs, (relatively little considering its size and volume) and is designed such that participants may walk safely under the structure. The thin supports are virtually invisible from a distance, creating the magical illusion of a floating cube.

Groovik’s Cube is built from a lightweight aluminum frame, covered in fabric, and illuminated from the inside by 2 kilowatts of high-power LEDs (equivalent of 20kW of incandescent light). It simulates the motion of an ordinary Rubik’s Cube by animating the user’s choices on the 54 5’x5’ "pixels" that make up the cube.

The game

Groovik's Cube offers a unique new playing mode consisting of three players who must collaborate to solve the classic Rubik's cube puzzle. The cube is controlled via three touch screen interfaces located around the cube, with each interface capable of rotating only one axis of the cube - no single player can solve the cube alone. This innovative twist adds a completely new dimension to the game and turns the classic puzzle into a social experience and a much tougher challenge. The players must devise strategies of communication themselves which creates a fascinating social spectacle. To date the cube has been solved only 6 times with a record time of 48 minutes.

Mike Tyka studied Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the University of Bristol. He obtained his PhD in Biophysics in 2007 and went on to work as a research fellow at the University of Washington and has been studying the structure and dynamics of protein molecules. In particular, he has been interested in protein folding and has been writing computer simulation software to better understand this fascinating process. Protein folding is the way our genetic code is interpreted from an abstract sequence of data into the functional enzymes and nano machines that drive our bodies.

Mike became involved in creating sculpture and art in 2009 when he helped design and construct Groovik's Cube, a 35ft tall, functional, multi-player Rubik's cube. Since then he's co-founded ALTSpace, a shared art studio in Seattle, and started creating sculptures of protein folds. He hopes to capture some of the hidden beauty of these amazing molecules, make it accessible to the general public, and maybe act as inspiration for those who want to learn more about these fascinating molecules that make life possible.

For more information on the pieces or for commissions contact him at:

Email: mike.tyka@gmail.com

Seattle Met Magazine (Nov Issue): http://www.seattlemet.com/groovikscube

On KING5: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Giant-Grooviks-Cube-featured-in-new-Pacific-Science-Center-exhibit-130875678.html

Groovik’s Cube on Q13 FoxNews: http://www.q13fox.com/videogallery/65109801/News/Kaci-Pac-Sci-Center

Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/photogalleries/localnews2016222326/2.html

IO9: http://io9.com/5840738/watch-people-constructing-a-26+foot+high-fully-playable-rubiks-cube

KOMO News: http://queenanne.komonews.com/news/arts-culture/668165-giant-rubiks-cube-arrives-burning-man-frustrate-you

PCWorld: https://www.pcworld.com/article/240168/26foottall_rubiks_cube_is_even_harder_to_solve.html

Seattle PI: http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2011/09/13/seattles-giant-rubiks-cube-where-to-see-it/

Seattlest (Blog): http://seattlest.com/2011/09/20/attention_stoners_a_giant_rubiks_cu.php

Opodo: http://news.opodo.co.uk/NewsDetails/2011-09-22/Seattle_s_Pacific_Science_Center_launching_two_new_exhibits

Associated Press: Associated Press (Yahoo news)

TechFlash: http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2011/09/a-giant-grooviks-cube-in-seattle.html

SLOG (Seattle Stranger Blog): http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/09/13/grooviks-cubism-at-pacific-science-center