Voting Game Help

This post explains how to play the Voting game in DrugDiscovery.

Basic Gameplay

1. Choose Query Molecule and a Match Molecule.
2. Vote on whether you believe the two molecules are chemically similar.
3. Tweet your insights!

GamePlay Details

In the voting game you will be comparing two molecules:
1) Query Molecule: The thinner black molecule has been shown in lab studies to influence diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Cancer). It does this by binding with proteins, which either activates or inhibits the proteins. These Query Molecules, however, cannot be used because they are toxic.

2) Match Molecule: The thicker gray molecule, unlike the Query Molecule, is non-toxic. Thus if it has a similar chemical make-up as the Query Molecule, it may be a cure for a disease.

If you think the Match Molecule has a similar chemical makeup press the Checkmark, otherwise press the  X .

Starting the Game

To start the game press on the "Voting Game" tab. There you will see eight toxic Query Molecules. Select one.

You will then be presented with around 30 possible Match Molecules. Select one to begin the game.

Once you are in the game press the info button in the lower right to have the option to return back to the menu:

Info Button

Lab Tested

In the voting game, we have actually tested the Match Molecules in the lab and know whether they bind with the same protein as the Query Molecule. Thus we can provide instant feedback on whether your vote was correct.

One frequently asked question is: "How do I know what to vote for? What makes two molecules chemically similar?"

The answer to this is not entirely understood, and that's why we created the "Voting Game"! If you begin to see a pattern of what binds and what doesn't bind, tweet your insight!

Alignment

In the voting game we know the shape of the Query Molecule. The 3D structure it has in the game is the shape it takes when binding with a protein.

Alternatively the Match Molecule's shape is not set. You can rotate, translate, and contort it. This will give you insight into whether the two molecules have a similar chemical structure. The Match Molecule will naturally try to find the best alignment, however you can guide it using rubber bands.

To learn how to best align two molecules read the Alignment Tips post.