Biofizyka komórki WBt-BT261
Wykład (WYK) Semestr letni 2020/2021

Introduction to problems in biology of the cell that are best understood on the grounds of a combination of physics and chemistry. Molecular structure of biological membranes, the problem of lipid rafts, and analytical methods applied in studies of structural heterogeneity of lipid membranes. Molecular crowding in cytoplasm and cell organelles, accessible and excluded volume, self-organisation and self-assembly of subcellular structures. The role of molecular crowding in maintaining subnuclear bodies and various nuclear processes. Diffusion and mobility of macromolecules; weak chemical bonds and their roles in maintaining organisation of macromolecular complexes. Molecular motors and mechanoenzymes; the mechanism of energy conversion by mitochondrial ATPase, the roles and mechanism of action of actin-myosin system and kinesins and dyneins, single-molecule studies of interaction between actin and myosin, and kinesin/dynain and microtubules. Transduction of signals in sensory hairs and epithelia of the inner ear. Optical and magnetic properties of tissues; molecular mechanisms of navigation by migratory butterflies, birds and mammals. Structure and mechanical properties of DNA and chromatin; mechanics and dynamics in gene activation, single molecule studies of the mechanisms of packing DNA into a viral capsid.