DESCRIPTION
Proteins are the cellular manifestation of genetic information. They are assembled into a polymeric structure from monomers derived in part from components in our diet. The many proteins manufactured by cells perform a broad range of essential functions — the molecular workforce of living organisms. Proteins catalyze metabolic reactions, replicate DNA, respond to stimuli, provide movement, and much more. Using video lectures, articles, case studies, and molecular models, we will explore how proteins are constructed, how they fold into 3-dimensional shapes, the kinds of bonds that hold these folded structures together, and the immense range of roles that proteins assume ‑ from structural proteins found in muscle to catalysts for cellular chemical reactions.
Purification and characterization are essential to understand protein structure and function, and we will identify a variety of methods to uncover how these tiny machines drive almost all living processes.
The course grade will be based on questions with each video lecture, quizzes, homework, and a final exam.
What you’ll learn
- Building blocks that comprise proteins
- Levels of protein structure
- Forces that hold proteins into their 3-dimensional functional form
- Functional properties of proteins
- Nature of proteins embedded in cell membranes
- Dynamic nature of proteins
- Proteins as catalysts for metabolism
- Regulatory mechanisms
- Role of energy in catalysis
- Purification and analysis techniques for proteins
- How proteins are purified and analyzed
- Applications of monoclonal antibodies
- Selected methods for characterizing proteins
CONTACT
Any questions? Please e-mail RiceOnline@rice.edu