Biophysics

Biophysics is the science that concerns the physics of living organisms.

The research area Biophysics concerns, at Stockholm University, primarily four different research topics - Advanced spectroscopy, Energy conversions, Enzyme catalysis and finally Protein structure and folding.

Advanced spectroscopy

Light is reflected from the objects in our surroundings. Depending on the properties of the atoms of these objects, certain spectral regions are absorbed. What spectral regions are absorbed depends on the atoms and molecules in these objects. The remainder is perceived by our eyes, generating different colors.

Advanced spectroscopy

Energy conversions

Proton transport across biological membranes, electron and proton-transfer reactions within the respiratory complexes, and regulatory interactions between membrane proteins are processes that contribute to energy conversion within a cell.

Energy conversions

Enzyme catalysis

Many of the chemical reactions that take place within a cell occur through enzymes - proteins that catalyze reactions. Were it not for enzymes, many of the reactions in the cell would take a very long time that would be incompatible with survival.

Enzyme catalysis

Protein structure and folding

In order to understand the mechanisms by which proteins perform their diverse actions in the cell, an understanding of the protein structure is a distinct advantage. Moreover, the process by which a particular protein assumes its eventual fold is also important for understanding protein function.