Department of Biology
Molecular and Cell Biology
In the field of Molecular and Cell Biology the Department of Biology analyses biochemical functions of molecules and their roles in regulating the organisation of cells, tissues, and organisms.
To understand molecular transitions, we are seeking to answer the following questions: how is the amount of a protein in a cell regulated? How is the division of cells controlled? How do cells communicate with each other? Which molecular and cellular processes enable survival of an organism under stress? How is the translation of the genetic information influenced by development and environment? How did genes and proteins change during evolution?
In this research aerea molecular processes are investigated on the level of individual proteins, cells and complex organs. The research aims at a mechanistic understanding of the highly dynamic processes. To achieve this, a broad spectum of analytical methods is applied that ranges from live imaging of single molecules over the biochemical and functional characterisation of molecular complexes to bioinformatic analyses of genomes and proteomes.
The following research units contribute to the research area Molecular and Cell Biology:
- Developmental Biology
- Genome Informatics
- Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Molecular Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Plant Genetics
- Molecular Plant Physiology
- Molecular Animal Physiology
- Neurophysiology
- Plant Biochemistry and Infection Biology
The following associated departments contribute to the research area Molecular and Cell Biology: