Entry requirements

Introduction to biotechnology and bioinformatics. Cell Biology.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• account for the structure of proteins, DNA and RNA
• explain the relationship between protein sequence and protein structure
• describe how structure translates into function within different biological fields such as catalysis, transport and regulation
• explain basic principles of experimental methods for the determination of the structure of macromolecules
• use sequence and structural databases
• use computer programs to visualise three-dimensional structures and analyse the relationship between structure and function
• estimate the validity of information in structural databases
• use bioinformatics tools for sequence alignment, sequence motif identification and prediction of secondary and tertiary structures
• account for the purpose, theoretical background and limitations of the above mentioned bioinformatics methods and use this knowledge to interpret relevant results

Content

Structure and characteristics of macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA). Relation between sequence, structure and function. Structural basis for the dynamics, binding specificity, catalysis and cooperativity of macromolecules. Function of macromolecules highlighted by a number of examples within fields such as enzymes, membrane proteins, signalling and translation.

Overview of biological databases, servers and information centres. Sequence comparisons. Basic macromolecular structure: three-dimensional structure, PDB co-ordinates, classification of proteins in structure families, programs for analysis and comparison of structures. Introduction to the theory of classification and comparison of sequences and extraction of common distinctive features (e.g., motifs). Sequence analysis for prediction of secondary and tertiary structures, and homology modelling of three-dimensional structures based on sequence data.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and computer exercises. Attendance at seminars and full participation in computer labs is mandatory to pass the course.

Assessment

Test, seminar assignments and at the end of the course a written examination. Laboratory sessions and seminars: 2 credits.