cryptobiology: reconstructing identity
In Cryptobiology: Reconstructing Identity, The glass DNA double helix in the foreground depicts type B DNA. This particular section was taken from the human DNA sequence coding for a protein called lysozyme. This enzyme breaks open the cell walls of some types of bacteria, and is part of our defense against infections. It was the first enzyme whos 3D structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The sepia toned images in the background and the vertical strips staggered throught the image are actual images of DNA fingerprints.
Cryptobiology: Reconstructing Identity, 2001
Ellen Sandor & (art)n: Keith Miller, Fernando Orellana and Janine Fron
Kathleen Helm-Bychowski, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, DePaul University
Special thanks to Stephan Meyers
Virtual Photograph/PHSCologram: Duratrans, Kodalth, Plexiglas
40 x 30 inches