Structural Biochemistry

This course provides an in-depth study of the structural biochemistry of biomolecules, particularly proteins and nucleic acids.

The basic concepts and terminology used in the analysis of 3D protein structures are briefly reviewed here (Ramachandran plot, structural motifs and domains, folding, family, superfamily, etc.). These concepts are supplemented by a study of the stability and dynamics of biomolecules.

The structural classification of proteins is described in detail based on the four main types of folding. Structure-function relationships are illustrated using examples of proteins. The specific characteristics of membrane protein structures (integral proteins, membrane-bound proteins) are discussed.

The main tools for modeling and predicting secondary and tertiary structures are presented.

The various structures and functions of nucleic acids are studied. Protein-nucleic acid complexes are described from a structural perspective (main recognition motifs, etc.), and the concepts of recognition specificity are explained in detail.

This course is supplemented by tutorials. These tutorials are designed to familiarize students with the main databases used in structural biology, as well as with the PyMol software for analyzing 3D structures.

This course provides an understanding of biological issues at the molecular level. Students will be able to describe and analyze all biomolecular structures, identify the molecular factors essential to interactions between biomolecules, and understand their significance. They will be able to explore structure-function relationships.

By the end of this course, students should be able to analyze all types of biomolecules in 3D using the software of their choice. They should be able to provide precise structural information, such as the distance between a protein and a ligand, as well as the spatial organization.

HAV201V, HAV204V