Dept. of Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry
Research at the department
Design and synthesis of molecules and studies of their properties are the heart and soul of biochemistry and organic chemistry. The scope is enormous and covers a range from small organic molecules up to large proteins and polynucleotides. In biochemistry we utilize modern methodology for preparation, purification and investigation of natural as well as modified biomolecules, often with a focus on their biomedical function. In organic chemistry, we synthesize molecules with specific properties regarding structure, reactivity and molecular interactions. Analysis and prediction of structure and function with spectroscopic, reaction mechanistic and computational methods are a core ingredient in biochemistry and organic chemistry.
Biochemistry and organic chemistry have been separate disciplines for a long time, but at our department we wish to harvest the exciting science that emerges when small molecules react and interact with biomolecules, and combine our competence under one roof. The department has interfaces with biological, pharmaceutical and medical disciplines, as well as quantum chemistry, materials chemistry, and physical chemistry.
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Biochemistry
Biochemistry is integrated in essentially all areas of the life sciences, but is also exploited for a variety of technological applications. At our department, biochemistry is not simply a tool, but is developed as a science in its own right. Biochemistry at Uppsala university originates from the pioneering work of two Nobel prize winners, The Svedberg and Arne Tiselius, both trained as physical chemists. This heritage can still be seen today, but the expertise at the department today is state of the art and ranges from protein engineering, enzyme catalysis and kinetics, protein folding and molecular recognition.
Organic Chemistry
By definition, organic chemistry deals with carbon compounds, and therefore has a strong relationship to the life sciences as well as to basic materials science. In addition, there are boundaries with biology, pharmacology, and medicine as well as quantum chemistry, physical chemistry, and structural chemistry.