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Cursus: SK-B2MEME
SK-B2MEME
Membranen en membraaneiwitten
Cursus informatie
CursuscodeSK-B2MEME
Studiepunten (EC)7,5
Cursusdoelen
In terms of knowledge, after finishing this course students are able to:
1. Name and describe the most important building blocks of membranes
2. Describe the molecular organisation and functions of membranes
3. Explain self-assembly and dynamics of (model) membranes based on physico-chemical properties of lipids and proteins
4. Predict how membranes will behave or adapt to specific conditions based on physico-chemical principles
5. Describe the mode of action of important membrane proteins
6. Describe important membrane processes such as oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthesis
7. Describe the role of membrane lipids in signal transduction
8. Describe both protein and lipid biogenesis in cellular membranes
9. Explain simple techniques used in membrane research
10. Explain how interactions between lipids and membrane proteins can influence the behavior of these molecules and thereby affect membrane processes

In terms of skills, after finishing the course students are able to:
1. Design simple biochemical and biophysical experiments for membrane research
2. Explain why some biochemical or biophysical approaches are suitable for specific research questions and others not
3. Interpret results of biochemical, biophysical and cell biological experiments on membranes and membrane proteins
4. Critically read and evaluate scientific papers on membrane research as discussed in the course

The students will furthermore practice their skills to work in a laboratory, to present their data both orally and in writing, to extract major messages from a research paper and properly convene these in writing, to work in groups, and to provide feed-back to fellow students.
Inhoud
Biological membranes consist of a complex mixture of lipids and proteins. The lipids form a permeability barrier, and are also important for all kinds of dynamic processes. The lipid matrix furthermore ensures optimal functioning of the embedded proteins. The membrane proteins are the machines that provide special functions such as transport and communication. This course introduces you to the surprising versatility of membranes and membrane research.
 
The first part of the course focuses on membrane lipids. You will learn about the physico-chemical properties of lipids and how they determine the dynamics and organization of membranes. You also will learn about the biosynthesis of lipids, how membranes are made and how they grow, and how the lipid composition is regulated. You will become acquainted with biochemical and biophysical techniques and with the use of self-assembled model systems, such as vesicles made of purified membrane lipids, in which you can enclose molecules. Apart from providing fundamental insights, these systems find applications in medical-related research, such as drug targeting or analyzing the effects of antibiotics. In a correspondingpractical you will conduct your own research and become familiar with simple, but important techniques in modern membrane research, such as making vesicles or nanodiscs and analyzing lipid composition.
 
The second part of the course focuses on membrane proteins and the interaction between lipids and proteins. Questions that are addressed include: what makes membrane proteins special? How do  you purify membrane proteins and how can you study them? How do membrane proteins end up in the cell in the right membrane? How do important membrane processes such as photosynthesis, signal transduction and synthesis of ATP work? What do we know about the role of proteins and lipids in these processes? What is the role of membranes in the action of antibiotics or of amyloid- forming proteins? This second part also has an extra component in the form of an in-depth assignment: writing a popular scientific article based on reading of primary literature, and peer review. 

This course builds on obtained knowledge at the introductory level 1 of molecular biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, spectroscopy and chemical analysis. It provides the students with knowledge and insights on membrane function and organization on a molecular level and in an interdisciplinary way. The course includes practical research and reading of primary literature, both designed to deepen insights and to further develop critical thinking.
The course is well suited as preparation for courses in the Master “Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences” and connects well to other Master Programs in the Life Sciences. It also may serve as a basis for students who want to enroll in the Master Nanomaterials Science, and seek inspiration from biological systems for their research.
 

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