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Identical coursesBiophysics of Membranes (B-KUL-G0G86A)
Aims
Students have to acquire a profound understanding of the physical aspects of the functioning of biological membranes. This includes notions on the history of membrane biophysics research, and deep understanding of membrane structure and properties, membrane transport processes, membrane steady state properties, biophysics of ionic channels, conduction properties of biological cells and models of membrane excitability.
Previous knowledge
Profound understanding of physics, including the theory of electrical fields and cell biology. They should have a working knowledge of differential an integral calculus and differential equations.
Is included in these courses of study
- Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Leuven) (Specialisation: Biochemistry and Biotechnology) 120 ects.
- Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Leuven) (Specialisation: Biophysics) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Science (Leuven)
- Master in de nanowetenschappen, nanotechnologie en nano-engineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Engineering Science (Leuven)
- Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
Activities
4 ects. Biophysics of Membranes (B-KUL-G0G86a)
Content
Introduction in physical and electrochemical properties of biomembranes.
Techniques in membrane biophysics: biochemical, optical en electrophysiological experimental methods.
1.- Introduction
• General introduction to membrane biophysics
• Presentation of the topics of the course
2.- Membrane structure and properties (I)
• A historical overview of biological membrane research
• Building biological membranes: the hydrophobic effect
• Building biological membranes: lipid-water systems
• The "genesis" of biological membranes
• Lipid composition of biological membranes
• Melting membranes
3.- Membrane structure and properties (II)
• Phase transitions in lipid mixtures. Phase diagrams.
• Lipid-protein interactions
• Membrane rafts
4.- Membrane transport
• Introduction
• Diffusion
• Electrodiffusion
• Types of transport processes
5.- Membrane at steady state
• Osmotic pressure
• Water permeability
• Cellular mechanisms of volume regulation
• Donnan equilibrium
• The resting membrane potential
• Contribution of electrogenic transport to the membrane potential
6.- Ionic channels (I)
• A brief history of ion channels
• Techniques to study ion channels
• Structure of ionic channels
• Introduction to ionic channel properties
7.- Ionic channels (II)
• Brief recapitulation about ionic channels
• Selectivity and permeation in ionic channels
8.- Ionic channels (III)
• Diversity of activation mechanisms
• Voltage-gated channels
• Ligand-gated channels
• Stretch-activated channels
• Heat- and cold-activated channels
9.- Conduction of the electrical activity
• Spread of electrical signals: passive vs. active
• Currents in cells: where to go?
• The cable equation
• The action potential and its propagation. Propagation through nerves. Saltatory conduction. Propagation in a syncytium
10.- Membrane excitability
• Structure and logic of sensory biology
• TRP channels as molecular sensors & integrators
• Channels and cell excitability. Pacemaker activity of the heart. Insulin secretion. The neuromuscular junction. Chloride channels and muscle excitability
• Synaptic integration
• Channels with smart applications
Course material
Slides of the lecturesand chapters from the books
- The Structure of Biological Membranes. 2005. By Philip Yeagle.
- Thermal Biophysics of Membranes. 2007. By Thomas Heimburg.
- Membrane Structural Biology: With Biochemical and Biophysical Foundations. 2008. By Mary Luckey.
- Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes. 2001. By Bertil Hille.
- Electrical Properties of Cells: Patch Clamp for Biologists. 1997. By Louis J. DeFelice.
Format: more information
Students learn to understand the biofysical principles of cell membranes and ion channels.
2 ects. Biophysics of Membranes: Reading Assignments (B-KUL-G0G87a)
Content
They will study deeper a specific problem discussed in the lectures using advised literature . They will prepare a presentation.
Course material
- The Structure of Biological Membranes. 2005. By Philip Yeagle.
- Thermal Biophysics of Membranes. 2007. By Thomas Heimburg.
- Membrane Structural Biology: With Biochemical and Biophysical Foundations. 2008. By Mary Luckey.
- Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes. 2001. By Bertil Hille.
- Electrical Properties of Cells: Patch Clamp for Biologists. 1997. By Louis J. DeFelice.
Format: more information
Study in small groups (3 students) a scientific paper and related chapters of books and prepare a presentation.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Biophysics of Membranes (B-KUL-G2G86a)
Explanation
Oral exam and presentation of reading assignment.
Exam format
After the 8th lecture students will be provided with a list of problems covering all subjects of the course. The solution of these problems will require thorough study of the lecture material and search for information in original scientific articles (PubMed) and/or other sources on the internet. Sufficient guidance by the course lecturer will be provided upon request.
Students will be divided in teams of 3 and assigned 3 problems, which they will have to solve independently or in team work. The latter variant is strongly encouraged.
The examination will consist in an open discussion in which each student will have to present the answer of one of the three questions assigned to his/her team using the blackboard. Some answers will require accurate presentation of data, for which it is strongly suggested to bring a hardcopy, a PowerPoint presentation or similar. Each presentation will take a maximum of 10 minutes per question.
Students are expected to discuss the problem starting with a brief introduction about the subject and the correct statement of the questions. Then they can move to the actual solution and finish with a brief statement about the biophysical and/or biological relevance.
All students are expected to be familiar with the other questions as well. We would like to promote an open discussion. Participation in other questions may give points that could compensate for eventual difficulties with the own questions.
Although students will work in teams, scores will be given individually, based on the following aspects:
- clarity and correctness of the exposition
- appropriate timing
- level of initiative demonstrated to solve the problems
- answers given to supplementary questions asked at the time of the exposition by the examiner and by other students
- the overall participation during the exam session