Alignment Tips

Aligning the Molecules

When playing DrgDscvry you are shown two molecules, the Query Molecule (the thin black molecule) and the Match Molecule (the thicker grey molecule). The Query Molecule's shape was determined using crystallography, which is a method to determine a molecule's shape.  However the lab has not tested the Match Molecule, and we do not know it's exact orientation.

For this reason you are able to rotate, translate, and contort the Match Molecule.

The easiest way to do this aligning the molecules by pressing the  Go button in the upper right. 

The Match Molecule will automatically move and rotate it's bonds to try to mimic the Query Molecule. To stop the alignment press the  Freeze  button in the upper right. 

Rubber Bands

Note: Pressing  Go will not necessarily return the best alignment.

Thus players can move the molecules around themselves by using rubber bands. Here are the steps to add a rubber band.

1) Hold your finger down on the screen, a magnifying scope will appear.

2) Drag your finger on top of an atom to put the atom in your scopes. The atom will grow larger. 

3) Hover over the atom until your magnifying scope turns yellow. You have now attached one end of the rubber band.

4) Drag your magnifying scope to another atom. The rubber band will automatically attach. Those two atoms will now be pulled towards each other. Once they have been pulled together the rubber bands will automatically disappear.

Note: The rubber bands will not move the molecule until you press the  Go  button.

Undo/Redo

If you have misplaced a rubber band, the quickest way to remove it is by pressin the Undo button pictured below.

Multiple Rubber Bands

To contort the Match Molecule you will need to add multiple rubber bands. The easiest way to do this is first holding the alignment by pressing the  Freeze  button (if it is not already pressed). Then add as many rubber bands as you want. Then press the  Go  button.