Wikipedia:WikiProject Molecular and Cellular Biology/Diagram guide

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Contents

[edit] Suggested Image Specifications

[edit] File Format

The preferable image format is SVG, since it is a scalable vector format, specifically designed for the internet. It is particularly useful for cellular processes since these tend to be diagramatic in nature. It also lends to easier editing, if we decide to change aspects of the scheme. Raster image formats are also acceptable, however one must remember that image quality tends to diminish with scaling. When using a raster format, PNG is preferable to JPEG. See Wikipedia:Preparing images for upload

[edit] Color Scheme

In order to maintain a standard for Cell and molecular biology articles a standard color scheme should be used. The accepted colors for cellular locations are described in the table. Colors for other components, such as molecules, can be chosen at the discretion of the designer, however, the following should be considered:

  • Colors should be chosen so that they contrast with existing colors in the image
  • Colors should be chosen such that text can be easily read on it.
  • Text should be black
  • Arrows should be black, however, different colors may be used to describe a set of processes or to contrast colors.
Eukaryotic cell hybrid (showing cellular locations) by project member WikipedianProlific
Eukaryotic cell hybrid (showing cellular locations) by project member WikipedianProlific
Cellular locations
Cellular location Color Example
Outside Cell #B9DEE1
Cytoplasm #EBEBCC
Nucleus #D0C4D1
Mitochondrion #F7955B
Mitochondrial Matrix #FCBC86
Chloroplast #75C594
Endoplasmic Reticulum #67A6CC
Golgi #7A6BAB

[edit] Membranes

The level of detail for a membrane should be only what is necessary to describe the cellular process.

Level of detail Description Example Uses
High detail Shows lipid layers, molecules (head and tail) Transmembrane proteins, Fluid mosaic model
Medium Detail Differentiates between lipid bilayers and single layers General cellular process. Molecular interactions.
Low detail Does not discriminate between multiple membranes. Process such as Mitosis, Meiosis. Basic cell structure

[edit] Special Symbols

Name Example Description
ATP (NTP) used in reactions equations
ADP (NDP) used in reactions equations
AMP (NMP) used in reaction equations
CO2
FADH2
FAD
Inorganic Phosphate
H+
H2O
NADH
NAD+
NADPH
NADP
O2
Phosphate
Pyrophosphate
Ribosome

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