About this app
Virus Assembly is a simplified physical model of molecular construction. A flexible RNA-like strand attracts complementary colored particles to its binding sites, producing six rigid capsid walls and six viral spikes.
Once every part has formed, the RNA bonds to the first wall. Additional walls attach at matching sites and turn into a hexagon around the RNA. Finally, the spikes snap onto the completed shell and point outward. The motion, collisions, joint rotation, and assembly all emerge from the simulation's physical interactions.
Use 'Bonding attraction' to control how strongly particles and completed structures are drawn toward compatible binding sites. You can also click particles and molecules to flick them around and help the virus assemble faster.