Dynamics of biomolecular processes

CH-312 / 2 credits

Teacher: Fierz Beat

Language: English

Summary

In this course we will discuss advanced biophysical topics, building on the framework established in the course "Macromolecular structure and interactions". The course is held in English.

Content

  • Membranes
    • fusion, fission, membrane deformation
    • diffusion
  • Channels and receptors
    • ion channels, receptors
    • detection of physical and chemical stimuli
  • Protein folding / substates / dynamics
    • molecular chaperones and protein folding in the cell
    • conformational fluctuations in protein function and regulation
    • natively disordered proteins
  • Protein machines
    • motor proteins in trafficking
    • motor proteins in DNA and chromatin transactions
  • DNA binding proteins / transcription
    • protein DNA interactions
    • search processes in the nucleus
    • dynamics and function of the transcription machinery

 

Keywords

protein folding, dynamics, molecular machines, DNA, transcription, receptors, membrane, diffusion,  trafficking

 

 

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Macromolecular structure and interactions

Chemical Biology

Chemical thermodynamics

 

 

Recommended courses

Chemical Biology

 

 

Important concepts to start the course

Protein structure, folding, function and dynamics

Theoretical biophysics, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics

Membranes and lipids

 

 

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra and discussions.

 

 

Expected student activities

Literature study

Active participation to discussions

 

Assessment methods

Written exam

 

 

Supervision

Others

Resources

Bibliography

Literature articles / reviews

"Principles of Physical Biochemistry", Van Holde, Prentice Hall

"Physical Biology of the Cell", Phillips, Kondev, Theriot, Garcia, Garland Science

 

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

CH-413 Nanobiotechnology and Biophysics

CH-419 Cellular Signalling

 

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Dynamics of biomolecular processes
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Dynamics of biomolecular processes
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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