Cortisol (C21H30O5) is known as the stress hormone. When we are threatened or attacked, cortisol prepares us to fight or run, but it is not supposed to stick around. When we are exposed to long term stress (such as during a pandemic!), cortisol builds up in our bodies, and overexposure to cortisol can lead to a range of health problems.
Helpful stress management strategies include healthy eating, relaxation, exercise and 3D printing.
This cortisol molecule is an advanced project, but the result is worth it.
The “swivel snaps” allow the molecule to twist and turn in space. The model above is all white, but coloured atoms look great! This post is dedicated to the cortisol molecule, but these atoms can be pulled apart and snapped together to model any organic molecule.
Cortisol (C21H30O5) is made up of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms in the following covalent bonding structures:
Carbon (with 4 single bonds): 17
Carbon (with 1 double, 2 single bonds): 4
Oxygen (with two single bonds): 3
Oxygen (with one double bond): 2
Hydrogen (with one single bond): 30
Here are the files that you will need for each atom:
Carbon (with 4 single bonds): Large 4 Tetrahedral (male and female) and 4 swivel snaps
Carbon (with 1 double, 2 single bonds): Large 3 Trigonal Pyramidal (male and female) and 3 swivel snaps
Oxygen (with two single bonds): Medium 2 Linear (male and female) and 2 swivel snaps
Oxygen (with one double bond): Medium 1, no swivel snaps
Hydrogen (with one single bond): Small 1, no swivel snaps
See here for directions on assembling the atoms: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4675660
Once you have all the atoms printed and assembled, follow the line diagram of the cortisol molecule above to snap the pieces together in the correct order.
See here for video: https://youtu.be/B8MvM1SfJJw
See… your stress is all gone!
