BL3301 – Protein structure and function
BL3301 – Protein structure and function
This module covers advanced aspects of protein science. The module introduces the major techniques for protein structure determination that are at the heart of biochemistry, molecular biology and drug discovery. The physical principles behind and strategies for elucidating protein structures by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy are discussed. Membrane proteins are considered as an example of the impact of structural information on understanding biological function. The second part builds an understanding of thermodynamic and kinetic principles of protein interactions. Protein engineering by directed evolution will be introduced. This section is complemented by advanced aspects of enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibition. The third part of the module considers protein folding and misfolding. It will be examined how proteins achieve functional three-dimensional structures. Protein misfolding diseases are used as examples to highlight the significance of protein folding. Prions and the molecular basis of spongiform encephalopathies are discussed in detail.
Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):
Module Code:
BL3301
Semester:
1
Credits:
20
Module Organiser:
Pre-requisite modules: BL2306 - Biochemistry, BL2302 - Molecular biology, and BL2309 - Applied Molecular Biology
MMS
Timetable:
[events_list category="BL3301"]
Assessment:
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%MMS assessment details
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook
Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)
Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable
Expected attendance:
School handbook
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook
University Student Handbook:
University student handbook
School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.
School handbook
University student handbook
Staff:
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing module BL3301 successfully should be able to:
- Describe protein structure & folding using a range of examples
- Relate protein structure to protein function
- Outline the methods used to characterise protein-ligand interactions
- Demonstrate the use of enzyme kinetics to characterise an enzyme
- Design experiments to explore enzyme activity
- Describe the methods used to explore protein structure
- Use in silico tools to characterise proteins, including biomolecular databases and molecular viewers
- Outline the methods used to characterise protein-ligand interactions
Policies:
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/