Biomolecules, Cells, and Biomimetic Systems (UE S1-10)
This course provides a basic knowledge of biology for students with a physics, chemistry or engineering background. Students with a background in biology are exempt from taking this class.
Outline of the course
Part A: Introduction to Biology
The cell – structure and function
Main types of cellular organization
Examples of biotechnological applications
Introduction to cellular function
The cell and its environment
The constituents of the extracellular matrix
Examples of applications – biomaterials
Molecular basis of cell adhesion
The cytoskeleton and cellular mobility
The cytoskeleton
Microtubules and microfilaments
Muscular contratction and non-muscular motility
The cellular membrane – constituents and function
Models of the fluid membrane
Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates of the membrane
Interaction of the membrane with the extracellular environment
Phenomena of membrane transport
Molecular genetics
Structure and properties of nucleic acids
Biosynthesis of DNA and its applications (sequencing, PCR, DNA microarrays)
Transcription and translation
From amino acids to enzymes – properties of proteins
The structure of proteins
Enzymes: catalysis, kinetics, inhibition
The energy of cells
Mitochondria and the respiratory chain
Chloroplasts and photosynthesis
Cellular energetics and microsystems
The immune system and vaccinations
Endogenous and exogenous substances
The immune system
Cellular and molecular bases on immunity
Vaccinations (with examples of delivery systems)
Part B: Biomimetic Systems
In-vitro measurement of molecular interactions
Force-distance measurements by AFM (physico-chemical interactions, ligand-receptor interactions, rigidity of macromolecules)
Other techniques to measure molecular interactions
Functionalization of surfaces
Biomimetic membranes at the air-water interface and on supports