Methods for Characterization of Biomolecules

Objectives

  1. Provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the fundamental techniques for biomolecule characterization.
  2. Enable students to identify, select, and apply the most suitable methods for specific questions related to biomolecule analysis.
  3. Develop the ability to interpret and integrate data from various techniques to understand the structural and functional properties of biomolecules.
  4. Promote a critical approach to evaluate the advantages, limitations, and suitability of techniques for scientific research or industrial applications.

General characterization

Code

11177

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Ricardo Saraiva Loureiro Oliveira Louro, Teresa Sacadura Santos Silva

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

Available soon

Teaching method

Available soon

Evaluation method

Available soon

Subject matter

I. Biomolecules

  • Proteins
  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids and Membranes
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Molecular Complexes and Biomolecular Interactions

II. Methodologies

1. Spectroscopic Techniques
a) UV-Visible Spectroscopy
b) Fluorescence Spectroscopy
c) Vibrational Spectroscopies:

  • Infrared (IR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
  • Raman and Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
    d) Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy
    e) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

2. Mass Spectrometry

3. Determination of 3D Structures of Biological Macromolecules
a) Structural Determination by X-ray Crystallography:

  • Crystallization
  • X-ray Diffraction
  • Calculation of Electron Density Maps
  • Structural Insights from SAXS

b) Structural Determination by Electron Microscopy (EM)

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: