MBB301   Macromolecular Machines   (10 credits)

Description

The ability of proteins to act in a dynamic manner is one of the fundamental requirements for cells to function. In this module we will cover the molecular motors myosin, kinesin and dynein: the tracks they run on (actin and microtubules); how they promote motion; how ATP is used to generate directional movement; and specific functions such as muscle contraction and cytokinesis. We will discuss the bacterium flagellum, and its structural, functional and evolutionary relationship to the type III secretion system. Finally, we shall discuss the bacterial cytoskeleton, and bacterial proteins related to actin and tubulin.

Reading List