This exhibition explores many facets of molecules, including how they protect living things, how they generate energy, how they allow movement, and what role they have in the continuation of life. Marvelous Molecules is split into sections of exhibits that zoom into the world of molecules piece by piece.

Marvelous Molecules Mini Theater

Our planet's life forms seem distinct, diverse, but an underlying common chemistry unites them. All living things are made of molecules. Molecules are so small that there are more molecules in our bodies than stars in the sky. This four-minute video provides an overview of the Marvelous Molecules exhibition focusing on the molecules of living things: molecules for building, energizing, defending, sensing, moving and reproducing (DNA).

Molecules for Defending

Molecules that capture, inhibit, block, or destroy other molecules are used for defense by living things. Visitors can explore molecules that fight off infections and create defense mechanisms, and even some that are useful for making medicines.
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Molecules for Living

Inside of all living things, billions of molecules interact with one another to do all of the things that living things do. This series of exhibits invites visitors to explore the molecules responsible for reproduction and maintaining the systems for living.
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Molecules for Movement

Inside many different types of species and animals, the same types of molecules work together in the same way to create movement, regardless of how the animal moves. These exhibits invite visitors to explore the molecules responsible for making muscles move.
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Molecules for Reproduction

The shared element of life and the thing that enables reproduction is DNA—a giant molecule found inside of every living thing. These exhibits explore DNA and the genetic information that it contains and passes from parent to offspring in all living things.
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Molecules for Sensing

Living things sense their surroundings by using and manipulating various organs and methods. Visitors can explore the different ways that molecules floating in the environment trigger different sensing mechanisms in living things.
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Molecules: A Source of Energy

Molecules of hydrogen, glucose, fat, proteins, and carbohydrates are sources of energy for living things. This series of exhibits invites visitors to explore the molecules that power the living systems of humans and animals.
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Molecules That Form Structure

Thousands of the same kinds of molecules link together to form strong chemical structures, such as cellulose in wood and chitin in crab shells. This series of exhibits invite visitors to explore the molecules that create protection for many different animals.
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