“Macromolecular Structure” (BIOL-4480) explores the structures, evolution, functions, and interactions of proteins, nucleic acids, membranes, and polyglycans.  These basic themes are illustrated and elaborated by discussing recently published research articles.

The study of proteins includes: chemistry of amino acids, dynamics and conformations of polypeptides, characterization of protein domains, concept of homology, construction of dendrograms, and survey of the functions and interactions of proteins.

Nucleic acids includes: structures of polymers of DNA and of RNA, recognition of base sequences of NA’s by proteins, higher order complexes of DNA and proteins such as nucleosomes,  and function and evolution of ribozymes, e.g. ribosomes.

Membranes:  characteristics of liposomes and of lipid bilayers, insertion of proteins into lipid bilayers, evolution of organelles within cells, and transmission of material and information across cell and organelle boundaries.

Polyglycans:  synthesis of complex carbohydrates, glycolation of proteins, transport of polyglycans to the extracellular matrix, functions and modifications of the matrix, and biomineralization.

4480 explores the structures, evolution, functions, and interactions of proteins, nucleic acids, membranes, and polyglycans.  These basic themes are illustrated and elaborated by discussing recently published research articles.