Structural Biology

Divisions within Structural Biology study the three dimensional structures and chemical reactions of a range of biologically active and medically important molecules. These include transmitters, hormones, intracellular messengers, molecular motors and molecules involved in the regulation of DNA and protein synthesis. The goal of the research is to determine structures of protein molecules and the interactions that confer specificity and activate their mechanisms. In these studies, biochemical and biophysical methods such as optical and mass spectrometry are allied to structural methods like NMR, X-ray crystallography and molecular modelling. Armed with this information, the mechanisms inside and outside the cell, through which biological processes are effected, can be analysed at the atomic and molecular levels.

Divisions & Heads

• Mathematical Biology - Willie Taylor
• Molecular Structure (now incorporating the Division of Protein Structure) - Steve Smerdon and Steve Gamblin
• Physical Biochemistry - Justin Molloy

• Structural Biology
• Mathematical Biology
• Molecular Structure
• Physical Biochemistry