The general procedure is to build oligopeptide backbones which are positioned over a previously drawn plan and then joined together. In several cases this plan is supplied with the kits (see Table on Price List). If not, the x y (i.e. horizontal) position of each alpha carbon must be plotted on 1 cm graph paper (scale 1 cm = 1 A). It is not necessary to plot all the atoms of a particular peptide bond even if these are known, since the position of just one atom (preferably the keto oxygen) indicates the plane of the peptide bond unit. However, some model builders prefer to work only from the coordinates and if dihedral angles are not available this is the method of construction. Side chains are then made up and joined on to the polypeptide backbone. The position of some e.g. glycine, alanine is fixed by the backbone, with several others the position is easily fixed with reference to 1 or 2 atoms in the side chain.

A comprehensive list of protein kits available, together with an indication of which kits have x y plan, coordinates and dihedral angles is given in the table incorporated with the protein price list. Kits to any other polypeptide, protein composition and substrates can also be supplied. It is only necessary to send the amino acid composition, the cost is per individual residues. For complete residues, if this exceeds £20, cutting nippers, drill bit, protractor and anodised aluminium support rod are included at no extra charge. Where the backbone only i.e. main chain atoms is required order the appropriate number of glycine residues.

All protein kits are supplied with a protractor suitable for measuring dihedral angles, side cutting nippers, 1/8" drill bit sufficient 1/8" anodised aluminium rod to support the mdoel and general instructions for assembly.

The standard colour code is: peptide backbone, white; side chain carbon, grey; aromatic rings, purple; amino and guanidinium groups, blue; carboxyl and hydroxyl groups red; sulphydryl, yellow.