Proteins are the most versatile macromolecules in living systems and serve crucial functions in essentially all biological processes. They function as catalysts (enzymes), they transport and store other molecules such as oxygen (hemoglobin and myoglobin), they provide mechanical support and immune protection (antibodies), they generate movement (actin and myosin), they transmit nerve impulses, and they control growth and differentiation (growth factors). This course will focus on understanding amino acid structure, classification and properties first. Next you will learn what proteins do and how they perform these functions. In this course you will also study the different levels of protein structure and protein folding. Hemoglobin and myoglobin structure and function will be discussed as 2 examples of proteins.

This is a medium level course in amino acids and proteins designed specifically for students in science, biochemistry, and medical schools. The course will cover a wide range of subjects such:

a.Structure, properties and Classification of amino acids

b.Amino acids as acids and bases

c.Peptides

d.Levels of protein structure

e.Peptide and protein conformation

f.Concepts of Protein Function

g.Heme and Oxygen binding proteins

h.Kinetics of Reversible binding of Ligand to protein : Myoglobin

i.Hemoglobin and Cooperative oxygen binding

j.Allosteric effects on Hemoglobin binding to oxygen.