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Identical coursesDetermination of Biomolecular Structures (B-KUL-G0G83A)
Mohamed Shehab Ismail (coordinator) | Lescrinier Eveline | Mohamed Shehab Ismail Aims
The course gives a detailled overview of two important structure determination methods for biomolecules: NMR-spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction.
The student should be able to discuss the possibilities and limitations of both methods and can demonstrate that he/she understands the experimental part of an recent article describing the structure determination of a protein, nucleic acid or complex.
Previous knowledge
Basic courses chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, physics
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 of Chemistry (Leuven) 120 ects.
Activities
3 ects. Determination of Biomolecular Structures, Part 1 (B-KUL-G0G84a)
Content
Part 1. NMR spectroscopy
Introduction: Basics of NMR
- the origin of an NMR signal
- Structure dependent interactions of NMR active nuclei
Structure determination using NMR spectra
- from 1D spectra to ND spectra
- Structure determination of proteins
- Structure determination of nucleic acids
NMR and Dynamics
- conformatial changes
- molecular interactions
Course material
The provided course text covers what is explained during the contact moments (slides are available). Exercises on Toledo can be used by the student as a test to check his/her knowledge.
3 ects. Determination of Biomolecular Structures, Part 2 (B-KUL-G0G85a)
Content
Part 2. X-ray diffraction
- crystallization techniques
- symmetry
- x-ray sources
- diffraction
- intensity of diffracted beams
- data collection
- Fourier synthesis
- obtaining phases
- Molecular replacement
- Isomorphous replacement
- Anomalous scattering - interpretation of electron density maps
- phase improvement
- density modification
- non-crystallographic symmetry - refinement of model
- analysis and judging of model
Course material
- powerpoint slides
- Crystallography made crystal clear - Gale Rhodes- Academic Press
Evaluation
Evaluation: Determination of Biomolecular Structures (B-KUL-G2G83a)
Explanation
For both parts the student chooses an article describing a structure determination of a biological molecule (one NMR, one X-ray) and sends this well in advance for approval. During the exam the experimental parts of the structure determinations are discussed.