Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - MBB 722 G100

Biological Membranes (3)

Class Number: 1434

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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

COURSE DETAILS:

Grounding in the principles of membrane organization and a review of recent research on the structure, dynamics and function of membranes, membrane lipids and proteins.

4 lecture hours/week; 0 tutorial hour/week; 0 lab hours  

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 insrtion 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 40%
  • One in-class presentation 20%
  • Attendance/participation 10%
  • Research paper on same topic as presentation 30%

NOTES:


A course in protein structure/function is highly recommended.

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

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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