Protein Structure and Function (361-0-1)

Instructors

Wei Lu

Meeting Info

Technological Institute LG66: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

This course explores the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their function. We begin with the fundamental principles of protein architecture, covering amino acid properties, primary sequence organization, and the hierarchical assembly of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures, along with the physical forces that govern protein folding and protein-protein interactions. Following an overview of major methods for structure determination, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), students will learn to visualize, manipulate, and analyze macromolecular structures using modern computational tools, including structural visualization in PyMOL and ChimeraX, as well as model building and refinement in Coot. Hands-on components are integrated throughout the course to reinforce concepts in each lecture. Finally, we apply the concepts and approaches developed throughout the course to case studies from primary literature, illustrating how structural insights drive our understanding of biological mechanisms.

Registration Requirements

Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 301-0 to register for this course.

Teaching Method

Lecture, discussion, and homework.

Evaluation Method

Exams, class participation and homework.

Class Materials (Required)

No required textbook.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Biology Majors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites and registered for any required corequisites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 301-0 to register for this course.