Form and Function of Macromolecular Machines

Catalog description

The focus of this course is on the architecture of biological macromolecules that constitute all living cells. Understanding how the conformations of biomolecules and macromolecular assemblies relate to their function is crucial to modern biomedical research. This course is designed for students entering the broad field of molecular and cellular biology and aims to provide a solid foundation to understand fundamental biological mechanisms through the lens of structural biology. Students will learn to understand the architectural features of nucleic acid and protein structures and the forces that shape and stabilize their structure as well as intermolecular interactions in nucleic acid-protein and protein-protein complexes. Students will also learn to utilize state-of-the-art graphics software to render and analyze atomic structures of proteins and nucleic acids. Modern experimental structure determination methods will be introduced. The goals of this course are to build a strong appreciation of the principle that the functional properties of all macromolecular assemblies are rooted in their 3D structure, to develop the technical skills needed to view and analyze atomic coordinates of nucleic acid/protein complexes and to integrate this knowledge framework to effectively read, discuss and critique emerging primary literature on the structure and function and macromolecular complexes. Emphasis will be on core concepts, independent learning as well as active in-class participation.