Physics of Complex Systems
The research programme focuses on experimental studies of soft condensed matter systems, with a special emphasis on biological and biologically inspired systems. The general theme relating the projects is the study of dynamic physical properties of complex biological macromolecules, using a combination of microscopies and single molecule manipulation techniques, combined with physical modeling. The following is an outline of the main research projects in the group:
Mechanisms of Motor Proteins
Biological motor proteins are studied in single-molecule experiments with the goal of understanding the physical principles of biological force generation in a multitude of active transport processes. Motor proteins are the ubiquitous nanometer scale mechanical engines at the basis of many crucial processes of life, and present a case where the non-equilibrium dynamics of these biological macromolecules, usually embedded in a complex regulatory and functional environment, are the essence of their function.
Dynamics of DNA Enzymes
The dynamics of selected DNA enzymes will be investigated in single molecule experiments. Many DNA enzymes perform highly complex mechanical tasks in replication, transcription, or packing of DNA, the detailed dynamics of which are not yet understood.
Cytoskeleton / Semiflexible Polymers
Networks of semiflexible protein networks are investigated, in vitro and also in living cells, with the goal of understanding the functional principles of the cytoskeleton, which plays crucial roles in processes such as cell division, cell locomotion, or cell growth. Semiflexible polymers are a so far not well understood new class of polymers also with potential use as technical materials.
Instrumentation and Technology Development
New experimental techniques will be developed and further developed, focusing on high resolution microscopy methods and single molecule manipulation techniques (optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy) and single molecule fluorescence/spectroscopy techniques.
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Mechanisms of Motor Proteins
Biological motor proteins are studied in single-molecule experiments with the goal of understanding the physical principles of biological force generation in a multitude of active transport processes. Motor proteins are the ubiquitous nanometer scale mechanical engines at the basis of many crucial processes of life, and present a case where the non-equilibrium dynamics of these biological macromolecules, usually embedded in a complex regulatory and functional environment, are the essence of their function.
Dynamics of DNA Enzymes
The dynamics of selected DNA enzymes will be investigated in single molecule experiments. Many DNA enzymes perform highly complex mechanical tasks in replication, transcription, or packing of DNA, the detailed dynamics of which are not yet understood.
Cytoskeleton / Semiflexible Polymers
Networks of semiflexible protein networks are investigated, in vitro and also in living cells, with the goal of understanding the functional principles of the cytoskeleton, which plays crucial roles in processes such as cell division, cell locomotion, or cell growth. Semiflexible polymers are a so far not well understood new class of polymers also with potential use as technical materials.
Instrumentation and Technology Development
New experimental techniques will be developed and further developed, focusing on high resolution microscopy methods and single molecule manipulation techniques (optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy) and single molecule fluorescence/spectroscopy techniques.
