VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

551-0436-00L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Structural Characterization of Macromolecular Complexes: Cellular Assemblies and Machines

Structural Characterisation of Macromolecular Complexes: Cellular Assemblies and Machines

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban, Dr. Christiane Berger-Schaffitzel, Dr. Timm Maier
Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:18:47

Abstract

Structural Characterization of Macromolecular Complexes: Cellular Assemblies and Machines

Objective

The goal of the course is to acquire the most important techniques and methods for the purification and structural characterization of macromolecular complexes by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography. The emphasis of the course is on the special practical requirements for the application of these techniques on macromolecular structures in the Megadalton range.

Content

Chromatography and ultracentrifugation will be used for the purification of macromolecular complexes. Purified assemblies will be functionally investigated. The samples will be further characterized by transmission electron microscopy incl. sample preparation, microscopy and data evaluation. The purified macromolecular complexes will be subjected to crystallization and the obtained crystals will be used for crystallographic data collection and analysis. The participants will be working on a closed project related to current research of our laboratory and throughout the course the practical work will be accompanied by brief theoretical introductions. The course is aiming to strengthen the skills required to independently develop research strategies and for the structural characterization of cellular macromolecular assemblies.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script is distributed in the course (the course is held in English).

Literature

A. McPherson, Crystallization of biological macromolecules, CSHL Press, 1999 ( chapters 3, 5 ) A. Fersht, Structure and mechanism in protein science, Freeman, 1999 ( chapters 1, 6) M. van Heel et al., Single-particle electron cryo microscopy: towards atomic resolution, Quart. Rev. Biophys. (33), 307-369 (2000) Further reading and citations are listed in the course script.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Es wird nur der hauptverantwortliche Examinator aufgeführt. Weitere Examinatoren: Die oben aufgeführten Dozierenden.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Structural Characterisation of macromolecular Complexes: Cellular Assemblies and Machines
Blockkurs im 1. Viertel des Sommersemesters Ort: HPK H7 (beschränkt auf max. 6 Teilnehmende)
No time listed 100 h semesterly

Offered In