Protein Structure and Function

Protein Structure and Function

LF244 introduces students to the beauty and complexity of protein structures and the remarkable diversity of their biological functions. The course explores topics such as protein folding, DNA binding, electron transfer, protein engineering and membrane proteins. Students will also learn how to view and analyse protein structures with computational tools. The course aims to provide a solid understanding of how protein structure determines protein function.

After completing the module, you will be able to:

• Discuss the relationship between a protein's structural features and its function

• Discuss molecular mechanisms with reference to a protein's 3D structure

• Discuss the forces that drive protein folding

• Apply knowledge of secondary structure elements, ligands and motifs to identify and describe protein structures

• Assess and evaluate recent advances in protein structure prediction

• Use molecular visualisation software to inspect and analyse 3D protein structures and create structural images