STRUCTURAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS

The course will be divided in two parts. The first will be devoted to the introduction of basic principles of Biophysical techniques focused on structural and functional characterization of biological macromolecules, supramolecular assemblies and cells. In the second part, three recently described paradigms in the analysis of sensorial system study will be introduced. Such examples will be proposed mainly focusing on the Byophisical Methods that allowed disclosing important links between structure and function of macromolecules.

First part
- X-ray crystallography
1. Crystals, mathematical lattice, symmetry in crystals, space groups.
2. Crystallization techniques in biochemistry.
3. Production of X-rays;
4. Mathematics (equations useful in the interpretation of diffraction);
5. Diffraction of X-rays (waves, interference);
6. Single crystal X-rays diffraction; Bragg’s law; X-rays diffraction pattern; structure factors; the concept of Resolution
7. X-ray data collection, indexing and processing
8. From diffraction data to the protein model
9. Advanced topics: The phase problem and solution methods, MIR, MAD, MR
10. Structure refinement; The R index; Treatment and analysis of structural data;
- Neutron and Electron diffraction (basic concepts and applications);
- Mid to high resolution microscopy techniques;
- EXAFS/EPR/NMR (basic concepts);
- Examples of structural data usage in the investigation of relevant questions in biochemistry as well as for purposes related to applied research.

Second part:
1. Visual perception and molecular basis of photoperception;
2. Molecules involved in mechano-perception and role of the tactile perception;
3. molecular basis of chemoperception in the gustatory and olfactory systems.