"This scheme for crocheting fronds, etc, puts me in mind of DNA hairpinning and other self-hybridized structures."I thought this was a fantastic idea.
You can make all kinds of structures pretty easily, generating your own patterns from looking at an RNA structure predictions like the tRNA at left (source: higheredbcs.wiley.com).
tRNA
This pattern begins at the 3' end. It's best to use a yarn that's not too fuzzy (so you can make out the individual stitches). Try to work tight to maintain structural integrity. I worked this pattern in the back loops only, which helps it to lay flat.
- Chain 23 stitches.
- Beginning with 8th chain stitch from hook (that is, skip 7) single crochet 5 stitches.
- Chain 5 stitches.
- SLIP into the 4rd from your hook (that is, skip 3). Note, this is not real base pairing, but will help the structure maintain its shape when you're finished.
- Chain 12 stitches. Congratulations, you just made an anticodon arm.
- Beginning with 8th chain stitch from hook (that is, skip 7) single crochet 5 stitches.
- Chain 15 stitches.
- Beginning with 11th chain stitch from hook (that is, skip 10) single crochet 4 stitches.
- Chain 2 stitches.
- Beginning with the 11th chain stitch you made in step 1 (it's right next to where you started single crocheting in step 2), single crochet 7.
- Finish off!
To help the RNA maintain its shape, you can stiffen with a little glue, or applique it onto something you feel is not dorky enough yet.
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