Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - MBB 422 D100

Biomembranes (3)

Class Number: 1426

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Wed, Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2016
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 322 and MBB 309W with a minimum grade of C, MBB 324 as a pre or co-requisite.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A review of recent research on the structure, dynamics, function and biosynthesis of membranes, membrane lipids and proteins.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics:

  1. Paradigms of membrane organization and physical properties, chemical structures of lipids; hydrophobic effect, model membranes
  2. Membrane Lipid dynamics and phase properties, effects of cholesterol
  3. Characterization of membranes using physical techniques: diffraction, magnetic resonance (NMR/ESR)
  4. Lipid Polymorphism, shape theory;
  5. Protein rotational and translational dynamics
  6. Membrane surface potential
  7. Membrane asymmetry and lipid microdomains (RAFTS) - methods, characterization and function(s).
  8. Topography analysis of integral membrane proteins
    • hydropathy analysis
    • helix-helix interactions
    • folding and insertion pathways for helix bundles and beta barrels
  9. Integral membrane protein – lipid interactions: principles
  10. Modulation of integral membrane protein conformation by specific lipid or ligand interactions.
    • mechanosensitive ion channels
    • rhodopsin
    • voltage-gated ion channels
  11. Peripheral membrane proteins, structure and lipid interactions
    • Lipid covalent anchors
    • Lipid binding modules: amphipathic helix anchors
  12. Peripheral proteins perturb lipid  bilayers - curvature induction; fusion

Grading

  • Assignments 45%
  • Class Presentation 20%
  • Attendance/Participation 10%
  • Final Exam (open book) 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Luckey, Mary, Membrane Structural Biology with Biochemical and Biophysical Foundations,2nd Ed., 2014. Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 978-1-107-03063-3

Department Undergraduate Notes:

  • Students are advised to review the plagiarism tutorial found at
    http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/tutorials/plagiarism-tutorial
  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  csdo@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS