Proteins-workforce of life

(2 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Purpose This course will introduce the wonderful world of proteins. Proteins are a type of organic macromolecule that are fundamental building blocks of life. While we hear a lot about proteins in daily life, in ads for protein shakes and protein powders, there are a few misconceptions about why proteins are essential and how they work. The many proteins manufactured by cells perform a broad range of essential functions; they are the molecular workforce of living organisms. Proteins catalyze metabolic reactions, replicate DNA, respond to stimuli, provide movement, and much more. Here, we will explore how proteins are constructed and fold into three-dimensional shapes, the kinds of bonds that hold these folded structures together, and the immense range of proteins' roles in our life. We will also explore how proteins are purified and characterized in order to understand their structure and function.