EUKARYO: An Agent-Based, Interactive, Virtual Reality Simulation of a Eukaryotic Cell
Abstract
Game engines provide sophisticated tools for rendering virtual environments. Their capabilities make them suitable for constructing detailed virtual environments. In this thesis, we present Eukaryo, an interactive, 3D model of a eukaryotic cell that was implemented in Unity and Unreal Engine. Eukaryo utilises mathematical modelling towards modelling enzyme kinetics, and agent-based modelling to illustrate the interaction between the individual proteins in the cell. Using hybrid modelling, Eukaryo is able to model the interactions for a diverse range of biological processes, such as protein activation pathways and cytoskeleton self-assembly. Further to this, Eukaryo provides support for virtual reality devices, such as the CAVE and Oculus Rift headset; users can immerse themselves in a virtual biomolecular environment. By combining state-of-the-art biological simulations with the 3D visualisations and real-time interactivity, Eukaryo provides an innovative environment for exploring cellular processes to convey the complexity in systems that constitute the machinery of life.
Description
Keywords
Biology--Cell, Computer Science
Citation
Yuen, D. W. (2016). EUKARYO: An Agent-Based, Interactive, Virtual Reality Simulation of a Eukaryotic Cell (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25962