How do you approach studying protein conformational changes using biophysical techniques?

Sample interview questions: How do you approach studying protein conformational changes using biophysical techniques?

Sample answer:

Approaching Protein Conformational Changes Using Biophysical Techniques:

1. Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM): Freeze proteins at cryogenic temperatures and image them using electron microscopy. Provides high-resolution structural information about protein conformations and conformational changes.

2. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Utilizes nuclear spins to probe protein structures and dynamics. Allows for the characterization of conformational changes in solution and captures real-time dynamics.

3. X-ray Crystallography: Obtains protein crystal structures by exposing them to X-rays. Provides high-resolution static structures, but may not always capture dynamic changes.

4. Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET): Uses fluorescent probes attached to specific protein regions. By measuring FRET efficiency, researchers can monitor conformational changes and protein-protein interactions.

5. Circular Dichroism (CD) Spectroscopy: Probes protein secondary structure by analyzing the absorption of circularly polarized light. Can det… Read full answer

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