Physics of biological molecules and macromolecules in aqueous media

To be refreshed:

- classical mechanics and electrostatics

- derivatives and integrals

- basic classes of living matter compounds

(proteins, nucleic acids, phospholipids)

Classroom

The aim of the lecture is to familiarize students with the physical factors responsible for intermolecular interactions in aqueous solutions and determining the structure and function of biological macromolecules.

The course consists of lecture and classes and includes the following issues:

- Properties of water

- Basic concepts of molecular solutions

- Biological particles – types and properties

- Thermodynamics of biological systems

- Intra- and intermolecular interactions

- Electrostatic issues in solutions

- Movement of particles in liquids (diffusion, sedimentation, hydration, viscosity)

Estimated time of work:45 h + 45 h)

30 h – preparation to lecture and classes

30 h – preparation to tests

30 h – preparation to the exam

Total: 180 h (6 ECTS)

1. Peter Atkins „Chemia fizyczna” PWN 2007

2. Peter Atkins, Julio de Paula „Chemia fizyczna” PWN 2016

3. Maria Kamińska, Andrzej Witowski i Jerzy Ginter „Wstęp do termodynamiki fenomenologicznej” WUW 2005

4. Ken Dill, Sarina Bromberg „Molecular Driving Forces” GS 2011

5. Tom Waigh „Applied Biophysics” Wiley&Sons 2007

6. Igor Serdyuk, Nathan Zaccai, Joseph Zaccai „Methods in molecular biophysics. Structure, dynamics, function” Cambrige University Press 2007

7. J. Newman, Physics of the life sciences, Springer

8. Loren Dean Williams „Molecular Interactions (Noncovalent Interactions) in biochemical systems”, https://ww2.chemistry.gatech.edu/~lw26/structure/ molecular_interactions/mol_int.html

9. Thomas E. Creighton „Proteins. Structures and Molecular Properties” Freeman and Company 1993

A successful student:

Knowledge:

1. knows the basic concepts and laws of thermodynamics

2. knows the physical nature of intermolecular interactions

3. knows the physical factors affecting the structure and properties of biological macromolecules

4. knows the basic concepts and laws necessary to describe the movement of molecules in liquids

Skills:

1. knows how to use the language of thermodynamics to describe simple processes occurring in biological systems

2. solves simple problems concerning the movement of molecules in liquids

Lectures and classes are obligatory; no more than 4 (lectures:2, classes:2) absences are allowed.

Credit rules:

1. Two written tests during the course

2. Written exam

3. To pass the course, it is necessary to obtain 60% of points in total from tests and written exam.

The grade of the course will be based on the results of the midterm tests and written exam.

not applicable