BCH 582
Proteins and Enzymes
Fall, 2010
Goal: This course will exam protein structure and function. The aim is breadth with some depth in
specific areas. A key goal is to provide the tools to read current literature critically (and we will
do some of that!). We will examine the basic chemical, physical and conformational properties
of proteins. Spectroscopic methods used to characterize protein structure and function will be
presented in the process of studying these basic physical properties of proteins. We will then
discuss protein function as mediated by structure with an emphasis on enzymes and ligand
binding. Finally, we will look at a new paradigm in protein function through an examination of
intrinsically disordered proteins and their functions.
When:
Monday (FOR 206) and Tuesday (LA 106), 12:40 – 2:00 pm
Instructor:
Bruce Bowler, Chem 311A (enter via Chem 310), x6114, bruce.bowler@umontana.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, 3:10 to 4:00 pm, Chem 311A, or by appointment
Text:
Thomas E. Creighton, The Biophysical Chemistry of Nucleic Acids and Proteins,
Helvetian Press, 2010. Readings will be from section III. You may purchase the text
online (www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk)
We will also use material from the primary literature and from other textbooks.
Methods:
Class time will be primarily in lecture format. Homework problems may involve use of
tools available on the web and critical evaluation of literature.
Evaluation:
a) mid-term exam
b) homework
c) final exam
30% of grade
40% of grade
30% of grade
Course Content and Exam Date Overview:
Topics
Protein Structure and Bioinformatics
HW 1, Sept. 14 (due Sept. 21)
Physical properties of proteins
Structure determination/prediction
HW 2, Oct. 11 (due Oct. 18)
Mid-term (Tuesday, Oct. 26)
Fluorescence methods and applications
HW 3, Nov. 9 (due Nov. 16)
Protein Function: Enzymology and Ligand Binding
HW 4, Nov. 30 (due Dec. 7)
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Final Exam (Friday, Dec. 17, 8:10 – 10:00 am)
Last Day of Classes is: Monday, Dec. 13
Holidays during the semester: Monday Sept. 6, Tues. Nov. 2