Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Modeling an Enzyme Active Site using Molecular Visualization Freeware
Published on: December 25, 2021
CSDB/SNFG Structure Editor: An Online Glycan Builder with 2D and 3D Structure Visualization
Andrei Y Bochkov1, Philip V Toukach1,2
1Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry, Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
This article describes features, usage, and application of an CSDB/SNFG Structure Editor, a new online tool for quick and intuitive input of carbohydrate and derivative structures using Symbol Nomenclature for Glycans (SNFG). The Editor is built on a platform of the Carbohydrate Structure Database (CSDB) and relies on its online services via the dedicated web-API. The Editor allows building of oligo- and polymeric glycan structures and supports most features of natural glycans, such as underdetermined structures, alternative branches, repeating subunits, SMILES specification of atypical monomers, and others. The vocabulary of building blocks contains 600+ monomeric residues, including 327 monosaccharides. Support for SMILES allows input and visualization of chemical structures of virtually unlimited complexity. On the other hand, the interface follows the recognized GlycanBuilder style easy to novice users. The export feature includes support for CSDB Linear, GlycoCT, WURCS, SweetDB, and Glycam notations, SMILES codes, MOL/PDB atomic coordinate formats, raster and vector SNFG images, and on-the-fly visualization as 2D structural formulas and 3D molecular models. Integration of the Editor into any web-based glycoinformatics project is straightforward and simple, similarly to any other modern JavaScript application.
Related Concept Videos
Fischer Projections
Protein Organization
The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence....
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
Molecular Models
Gene Families
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...

