Institute of Chemistry Freie Universität Berlinkirste.userpage.fu-berlin.de/fb/history/ch-en_2000.pdf · Institute of Chemistry Ω Structure of the institute 10 Freie Universität

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Institute of ChemistryDepartment of Biology · Chemistry · Pharmacology

FB CHEMIE Englisch Broschüre 14.03.2001 11:20 Uhr Seite 1

Institute of ChemistryDepartment of Biology · Chemistry · Pharmacology

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Contents

Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacology 7

Chemistry in Berlin 8

The structure of the Institute 10

From our research 12

Inorganic molecular chemistryStereoselective synthesisMacro- and supramolecular chemistryPhysical chemistry of interfacesSpectroscopy Theoretical chemistry Structural biochemistry Medical biochemistry Neurochemistry

Studying and teaching 34

Chemistry in brief 37

Impressum

Published byThe Presidency of the Freie Universität BerlinPress and Information Office Felicitas von [email protected]://www.fu-berlin.de/presse

Edited by Institute of ChemistryCatarina PietschmannTranslation: Richard Holmes February 2001

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IllustrationsInstitute of ChemistryTitle page: Protein crystal and structure (top), Cobalt atoms on a rhenium surface (bottom)

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7Institute of Chemistry

Ω Dies ist ein Thema

Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacology

Advances in science today are usually not theresult of work in any single field alone, but are theproduct of interdisciplinary cooperation. In orderto promote such cooperation and thus tostrengthen the potential and innovative capacityof research and teaching in the natural sciences,the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Phar-macology were merged together in 1999. The newlarge Department of Biology, Chemistry and Phar-macology was the result. The former independent departments now existas the Institute of Biology, Institute of Chemistry,and Institute of Pharmacology. This makes it easi-er to bring together research activities in the LifeSciences - a priority area at the Freie Universität –without impeding other forms of cooperation, inparticular with physics in the promising field ofmolecular materials science. The restructuring has been accompanied by theintroduction of a centralised, service-oriented,lean administration. The aim here is not only tomake administrative processes more efficient, butalso to reduce the administrative loads onresearch scientists and university teachers.

http://www.bio-chem-pha.fu-berlin.de/E-mail: [email protected]

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Ω Departement


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8 Freie Universität Berlin

Ω Chemie in Berlin


Ω Chemie in Berlin

development not only involved major companiessuch as Riedel, Schering, Agfa, and Kunheim, butalso a wide range of small and medium-sized com-panies.

Hofmann's successor Emil Fischer (1852 - 1919) –a pioneer of the sugar, purin and protein industry,played a decisive role in establishing biologicalchemistry on the basis of the synthetic organicchemistry, a development that not only had amajor influence on the university but also on extra-mural institutions. The reputation of Berlin as cen-tre of biochemistry was enhanced in particular bythe work carried out at the Kaiser-Wilhelm Insti-tutes in Dahlem. Carl Neuberg, Otto Warburg,Otto Meyerhof, Karl Lohmann and Adolf Bute-nandt were active there. During the early part ofthe 20th century, Berlin was also the centre ofphysical chemistry – represented by Hans Lan-doldt, Jacobus H. van’t Hoff, Walther Nernst, FritzHaber and Max Volmer.

Inorganic chemistry remained in the backgroundfor decades, despite some remarkable contribu-tions. These included the investigation by ArthurStock of boron and silicon hydrides or the discov-ery of rhenium (1925) by Ida and Walter Noddack.A special feature in this field for over five genera-tion of researchers was the work on the chemistryof isopoly and heteropoly acids, begun by Karl-Friedrich Rammelsberg (1813 - 1899) and contin-ued in depth by Alfred Rosenheim (1865 - 1942),and also characteristic of inorganic chemistry atthe FU for many years.

Emil Fischer (1852 – 1919)

Carl Liebermann

(1842 - 1914)

Institute of Chemistry of the

Kaiser-Wilhelm Society (1912) –

now the Otto-Hahn Building

(Biochemistry)

Chemistry in Berlin

As an independent university subject in Berlin,chemistry developed out of pharmacology. The apothecary Martin Heinrich Klapproth (1743 -1817) held the first chair at the Berlin Universityfounded in 1818. In his laboratory he worked fordecades on basic analysis, discovering variouschemical elements, including uranium in 1789.Sigismund Friedrich Hermbstädt (1760 - 1833),also an apothecary, not only taught pharmacology,but also chemical technology. Together withKlapproth and Alexander von Humboldt he playedan important role in introducing the findings ofLavoisier. Eilhard Mitscherlich (1794 - 1863), whooriginally trained as an orientalist, was successorto Klapproth and held one of the two Chairs inchemistry for four decades. He became famousfor the discovery of isomorphism in 1821. Theapothecary Heinrich Rose (1795 - 1864), who heldthe second professorship at this time, was anexcellent analyst. He discovered the element nio-bium, and helped to developed the classic analyt-ical procedure for separations.

A new era began in 1867 with the appointment ofAugust Wilhelm v. Hofmann (1818 - 1892), whohad studied under Liebig. Carefully mediatingbetween the popular “Typentheorie” and themodern structural theory, he provided importantimpulses for organic chemistry. The Institutereceived a grand new building and more Chairs,and Hofmann intensified research and teaching.He played an important part in the establishmentof the German Chemical Society (now the Societyof German Chemists), which was originally only alocal grouping, but which soon became a nationalforum for the new profession. It became a matterof prestige for chemical institutes, even at techni-cal colleges or agricultural colleges to appoint thebest possible chemists. The Nobel Prize winnersAdolf v. Baeyer (1835 - 1917) and Eduard Buchner(1860 - 1917) are examples, as is Carl Liebermann(1842 - 1914), who together with Carl Graebedeveloped the alizarin synthesis. Close contactswere maintained with the chemical industry, whichboomed at this time in the Berlin region. This

August Wilhelm v. Hofmann

(1818 - 1892)

Chemical Institute of the

Berlin University (1901)



Ω Structure of the institute


Ω Structure of the institute

The main areas of research are:

Ω Inorganic molecular chemistryΩ Organic synthesisΩ Macro- and supramolecular chemistryΩ Physical chemistry of interfacesΩ Instrumental analysis (NMR spectroscopy)Ω Theoretical chemistryΩ Structural biochemistryΩ Structural biochemistryΩ Cell biochemistry

Researchers at the FU Institute of Chemistry arecurrently involved in three DFG CollaborativeResearch Centres, four Postgraduate ResearchGroups, and numerous projects funded by theGerman Government and the European Union, aswell as an RNA network and a Materials ResearchAssociation.

There is intensive cooperation with leadingresearch institutions and universities all over theworld, and in particular in the USA, Europe, Japan,Russia and Israel, and there are regular exchangevisits of research workers and professors.

The Institute is divided into research groups, ser-vice sections, administration, and technical main-tenance. But everybody works together to ensurethat the Institute maintains its excellent interna-tional standing - as reflected in the levels ofacquired external funding, the numbers of publi-cations in recognised journals, and the numbersof prize winners.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb/index.html

The structure of the institute

The Institute of Chemistry is primarily concernedwith basic research in the classic fields of chem-istry - Inorganic, Organic, Physical and TheoreticalChemistry, Crystallography, and Biochemistry.These pillars of the Institute provide a sound foun-dation for important interdisciplinary researchprojects with close disciplines such as physics,biology, medicine, and computer science.

The interdisciplinary projects that are a specialfeature of the chemical research at the FU Berlinare directed towards the two main fields for thefuture – “Life Sciences” and “Materials Science”.The research work is focused on the molecularlevel, in the conviction that it is only possible tounderstand and make use of natural and artificialchemical systems when their properties are under-stood at the level of the individual molecules andtheir static and dynamic interactions.

Institute of Chemistry -

Organic and Physical

Chemistry (Takustr. 3)

Phot

o: D

ahl


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb/index_en.html


Ω Research


Ω Research

The research work includes the following threeprojects:

Ω The production of a gold-xenon cationAuXe4

2+ as the first metal-noble gas com-plex. Are there possibly many more suchcompounds still to be discovered - possiblyalso with other noble gases?

Ω Why is it that W(CH3)6, Mo(CH3)6 andRe(CH3)6 are not octahedral - in contrast totens of thousands of octahedral transitionmetal complexes? The structure of W(CH3)6and Mo(CH3)6 (d0) is in fact even moreunusual than that of Re(CH3)6 (d1).

Ω Reactions of nitrido complexes with elec-trophiles can lead to the formation of nitridobridges between main groups and transitionmetals. Stable technetium compounds ofthis type are attracting considerable interestas possible diagnostic agents for nuclearmedicine.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/seppeltE-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]

From our research

Inorganic molecular chemistry – The endless ways of combining elements

This research goes to the heart of inorganic chem-istry, and indeed of synthetic chemistry in general.The methods employed are closely related tothose used in organic chemistry. Out of the manypossibilities for combining the 100 and more ele-ments, the research concentrates on the low-mol-ecular compounds with restricted molecular struc-ture. This marks the distinction between molecu-lar chemistry and solid-state research, which dealswith highly-extended structures.

The number of possible combinations of elementsis almost endless. The smaller the molecule, thenthe smaller are the possible variations, but it is allthe more important to investigate these for syn-thetic, theoretical and didactic purposes.The Inorganic Molecular Chemistry research groupsare currently working on the chemistry of elec-tronegative elements from the main group of theperiodic table, and the heavy transitional ele-ments. New projects will be extending this scopeto radioactive elements and complex chemistry –“Inorganic biochemistry”.

Gold-xenon cation

AuXe42+

Nitrido bridge between

boron and technetium


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/seppelt/index_en.html




Ω Research


Ω Research

substances with considerable potential as drugs,including new antibiotics, HIV-active substancesor as fungicides.

A further project deals with the synthesis of thecarbon skeleton that is found in certain naturalcytostatic substances such as Taxol. Some arealready being used in the treatment of cancers, orare undergoing tests, but are rather difficult toobtain from natural sources. In this context, elec-tron-transfer reagents are being developed at theInstitute with the support of Volkswagen Founda-tion. As a ‘side product’ this has led to the dis-covery of a novel reaction which results in com-pletely different types of products, for examplesteroid structures, which also promise to find awide range of applications.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/reissigE-mail: [email protected]

Selective organic synthesis – Scope for creativity

Organic compounds with specific properties arean essential part of our everyday lives, from drugs,vitamins and nutritional additives, through cropprotection agents and cosmetics to clothing, plas-tics and high-tech materials for a variety of appli-cations. Frequently, such products can only beobtained by chemical synthesis, and the chemistoften takes nature as a model of how to use onlya limited number of components in a modularsystem to produce a wide variety of very complexproducts with highly specific characteristics.

There are two central problems with organic syn-thesis. The first is selectivity, that is how to bringan atom or group of atoms in the correct positionand in the right spatial relationship for any givenmolecule. The second problem is the effectivity,that is how to achieve the required result with theminimum effort while reducing as far as possiblethe environmental impact of the process of syn-thesis.

Stereoselective methods, in which mainly metallo-organic reagents and catalysts are used for mole-cule transformations, ensures the synthesis ofmolecules that have the correct shape. There hasbeen a real boom in this field all over the world –but despite all the progress that has been made,there are still many wishes that remain to be ful-filled if target molecules are to be made accessibleselectively and effectively. New processes are notonly being developed in accordance with the prin-ciples of rational design, but also by experimenta-tion, using the possibilities offered by the period-ic table. Organic synthesis is therefore also an art,which in addition to knowledge and planningoffers considerable scope for creativity.

The Organic Synthesis research group studies thepreparation of certain heterocyclic compoundssuch as tetrahydrofurans or pyrrolidines, usingamong other tools allene derivatives, as extremelyadaptable three carbon building blocks. They canbe used to make new C-C bonds stereo-selectivelywith almost perfect molecular recognition. Thecompounds obtained can be adapted in manyways and provide interesting biologically active

Preussin, a fungicide from

Aspergillus ochraceus

Stereoselective attack to an amino

aldehyde (Felkin-Anh model)

Taxol, an anti-cancer drug

from the bark of Taxus

brevifolis


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/reissig/



Ω Research


Ω Research

field is defined and functional molecular land-scapes on surfaces for applications in redox- andphotochemistry.

The work is integrated in the DFG CollaborativeResearch Centre Sfb 448 “Mesoscopically struc-tured macro-systems”, with a wide range ofnational and international contacts.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/schlueterE-mail: [email protected]

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/fuhrhopE-mail: [email protected]

Macro- and supramacromolecular chemistry - Nanocylinders and amphiphiles

Macromolecular substances and ordered molecu-lar arrays at interfacesand in the bulk play animportant role in our everyday lives, for examplein areas such as pharmaceuticals, clothing, bodycare, transport and communications technologyand in environmental protection. Research work isbeing carried out to improve our understanding ofthe processes involved, in order to be able to con-serve resources and to meet the demands of amodern society in a sustainable way.

The research group Macro- and SupramolecularChemistry, which is oriented towards materials sci-ence, is primarily concerned with increasing ourbasic knowledge. A main aim is to be able toreproduce novel macromolecules and arraysthatare able to perform useful and interesting func-tions. In addition to coping with the complexproblems of synthesis, considerable work goesinto polymer analysis and the characterisation ofthe structural chemistry. This involves using vari-ous physical and chemical methods such as NMRand GI FT IR (grazing incidence fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy), Maldi-tof mass spectrom-etry, scanning force microscopy, gel permeationchromatography and light-scattering. In coopera-tion with materials scientists and physicists theproperties of the compound in question are theninvestigated. Particularly interesting is studyingparameters such a electrical conductivity, bendingmodulus and fluorescence quantum efficiency forsingle molecules. The results of these investiga-tions can be used to further improve or adapt thesynthesis.

Novel functional macromolecules must be care-fully designed. Their synthesis has to take placeon the basis of simple and practical plans. It isalso very important that the compounds usedhave very high levels of purity and that reactionsarereach very high conversions. Research topicsinclude "Molecular nanocylinders" for catalysis,optics and cancer research, quantum wires formicroelectronics and amphiphiles with polar andnon-polar groups for the self-aggregation intocylindrical micellesfor colloid chemistry. A further

Synthetic membrane for charge

separation by sunlight

Micelles

(colloidal aggregates)

for photosynthesis

Largest known macrocycle

(ø 3.3 nm)

Key steps in Suzuki

polycondensation

Dendritic structure of

a cylindrical nano-object

(n = 80-120)


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/schlueter/index_en.html


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/fuhrhop/



Ω Research


Ω Research

Researchers are investigating how quickly mole-cules on the surface of an electrode transfer to anordered state when a voltage is applied. Using ascanning-tunnelling microscope, they are able topick out individual molecules. The formation ofclouds, rain and snow can only be understoodwith the help of physical chemistry. Basicresearch into the freezing and evaporation ofaerosol droplets contributes to an understandingof the chemistry of the atmosphere.

Another research group is studying the linksbetween surface properties (geometrical andelectronic structure) and catalytic activity. Anexample is the catalytic oxidation of carbonmonoxide, which even at very low concentrationsinhibits the functioning of fuel cells. The mea-surement of the absorption and desorption ofthe molecules involved by the metal surface layercan also contribute to an understanding of theunderlying reaction steps. A related researchtopic is the preparation and characterisation ofthin metal films and metal oxides, which areimportant in catalysis and the semiconductorindustry. Scanning-tunnelling microscopy andsynchrotron radiation are used to study thestructure and reactivity of these materials underthe conditions found in practical applications.

Photocalorimetry and other methods are used toinvestigate the energy balance and the mecha-nisms of photoelectric processes on semicon-ductor electrodes. In addition, photocatalyticreactions on semiconductor particles are beinginvestigated using novel laser-pulse methods.These reactions are relevant, for example, for thetreatment of wastewater.

Physical chemistry – Surfaces and phase boundaries in focus

Physical chemistry not only combines elementsof physics and chemistry, but is also of particularimportance for materials research, process engi-neering, and the analysis of biological and tech-nological systems. The Physical Chemistryresearch groups are working on a number of basicand applied research topics with particular focuson spectroscopic investigations of moleculesand aggregates.

A central research topic is the structure, dynam-ics and reactivity of phase boundaries. The prop-erties of crystals or liquids often undergo signifi-cant changes at their outer limits, and the mole-cules or atoms forming the phase boundary canbehave differently from those nearer the centre.Living organisms are full of phase boundary sur-faces, but they can also play an important role inmany technical systems. Examples include elec-trochemical cells and batteries, photovoltaiccells, or heterogeneous catalysts, in which thesurface atoms increase the rate of a chemicalreaction so that this becomes of commercialinterest.

Structure of a novel cluster

of anisole and ammonia

Elektrodynamic double ring:

AC current levitates

water droplet

Growth of cobalt on a rheni-

um single crystal (SEM).

Top: Surface alloy,

Bottom: Domain structure of

a thicker cobalt film, due to

lattice dislocations

A: Pure gold; B: Gold covered with dithiole;

C: Model of the monolayer of B. Yellow: Gold atoms,

Red: Sulphur atom



Ω Research

Finally, laser spectroscopy of molecular aggre-gates is being used to investigate the relative ori-entation of reacting molecules and the interac-tions involved. Experiments have been carriedout over many years using synchrotron radiationon isolated molecules in the gaseous phase. On-going work is studying the photostability of aro-matic compounds - under conditions quite simi-lar to those in inter-stellar nebulae such as theOrion nebula. The results of this work have con-siderable astrophysical relevance.

Just as light can initiate chemical reactions, socan impacts from electrons. A research group isinvestigating the chemical behaviour of individ-ual molecules, molecular aggregates, and layersafter interaction with electrons of defined ener-gies.

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb_chemie/ipc/baumgwww/www/default.html

E-mail: [email protected]

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~xmannwwwE-mail: [email protected]

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb_chemie/ipc/illewww/www/start.html


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/dohrmannE-mail: [email protected]

Molecular-beam

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Growth forms of cobalt

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Ω Research


Ω Research

ride (HF) and collidine marked with a stablenitrogen isotope. Under special, recently deter-mined conditions, the F-H······N–hydrogen bondshows previously unknown signal lines, and theclear distinction between the covalent and hydro-gen bonds seems to break down. In total, eachhydrogen atom can only form one full bond, butthis can be shared between a number of neigh-bouring atoms - depending on the requirementsof the molecular setting.

The work is carried out in very close cooperationwith research groups from all over the world.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/limbachE-mail: [email protected]

Spectroscopy: Hydrogen bonds – dynamic links between molecular building blocks

The tendency of atoms to join together by covalentbonding leads to the formation of stable mo-lecules, such as the V-shaped water moleculeH–O–H. But in steam, for example, the moleculescan also link together by means of hydrogenbonds to form pairs H–O–H·····OH2.These bonds are the reason why water is liquid atroom temperature, in contrast to similar non-polar substances that are gaseous. Molecularaggregates of various sizes are formed in water,but since the hydrogen bonds are relatively weakthe aggregates are constantly changing, withbonds breaking and new ones forming. As waterbegins to freeze, the aggregates become verylarge and then form ice crystals with a regular lat-tice in which each molecule is linked by hydrogenbonds to four neighbours.

Hydrogen bonding is also the reason why thecovalently -linked building blocks of biomoleculessuch as proteins or DNA are able to 'identify' thepositions on these long chains where they shouldanchor. And the fact that the hydrogen bonds inthese biologically-active 3-D structures can beeasily broken is essential in processes such asDNA-replication.

The Instrumental Analysis research group developsNMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopytechniques to investigate the structure, function,and dynamics of hydrogen bonds in organic crys-tals, nanoparticles, aqueous and non-aqueoussolutions, as well as nucleic acids, and proteins.Of particular interest are the mechanisms for thetransfer of protons across hydrogen bonds, theacid-base reaction (in non-aqueous through tosolid and enzymatic environments) and transitionmetal hydride chemistry. As in medical nuclearspin tomography, the samples are placed in amagnetic field, subjected to radio waves, and thesignal response of the nuclear spin is detected.

An on-going research project supported bynational and international organisations is inves-tigating hydrogen bonds between hydrogen fluo-

NMR-investigation

of the HF/collidine

system

Spatial structure and

molecular recognition

by hydrogen bonds in DNA

Molecules in steam

and water

Four hydrogen bonds in ice


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/limbach/index_en.html



Ω Research


Ω Research

A further project in theoretical chemistry is basedon the application of algebraic methods in chem-istry. This research deals with the relation of char-acteristic molecular properties and molecularstructure. The algebraic methods, some of whichhave recently been developed, can also be used toapproach problems in other fields, such as crys-tallography and geometry - another example of theinterdisciplinary nature of theoretical chemistry.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/manzE-mail: [email protected]

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/haaseE-mail: [email protected]

Theoretical Chemistry: Quantum theory and femtoseconds

Theoretical Chemistry represents a point of inter-section of various disciplines – chemistry, accord-ing to the subject, and physics according to themethods, and it also uses tools from mathematicsand computer science. The goal of theoreticalchemistry is to describe and predict propertiesand phenomena of matter in terms of the molecu-lar structure. Important topics include the quan-tum theory of molecular structure and the theoryof molecular reaction dynamics. Other topicsinclude the theory of the interaction of moleculeswith electromagnetic fields, computer simulationsof large molecular systems, and the quantum the-ory of elementary processes in biomolecules.

One priority is femtosecond chemistry. The aimhere is to describe and control elementary reac-tions on a time-scale of femtoseconds (1 fs =0.000 000 000 000 001s = 10-15 s) or pico-seconds (1 ps = 10-12 s). This is the order of timefor breaking, shaking, or making chemical bonds.These processes can be simulated, usually bymeans of quantum mechanical models. Thesedescribe the relevant variables such as bond-lengths or angles in terms of ‘wave packets’.These move through potential energy landscapesthat describe the interactions of the reactants. Atypical application is shown in the illustration.

By influencing the motions of the wave packets –for example with ultra-fast laser pulses – it is pos-sible to control the reaction, for example so thatthe reactants are driven towards specific products.In order to simulate and control such reactions itis necessary to develop various methods based onquantum chemistry, molecular quantum dynam-ics, and laser pulse optimisation. The applicationsinclude hydrogen transfer reactions, selectivesplitting of organo-metallic compounds, or theproduction of pure enantiomers. Work is carriedout as part of the Berlin-based CollaborativeResearch Centre Sfb 450: “Analysis and control ofultra-fast, photoinduced reactions” supported bythe Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. We co-operate internationally with various theoreticalgroups and experimental partners.

Wave packet dynamics:

Hydrogen transfer reaction,

induced by laser pulses

Redundant coordinate

system with almost-

orthogonal properties


http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~manzwww/index_en.html


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/ag/haase/index_en.html



Ω Research


Ω Research

A key area of research is the elucidation of thestructures of proteins involved in photosynthesis,in the regulation of gene expression (proteinbiosynthesis) and membrane intrinsic receptors.A central project concentrates on photosystems Iand II, on DNA-binding proteins such as the fac-tor for inversion stimulation, methyl transferase,tetracyclin repressor, helicase, and on theenzymes purine nucleoside-phosphorylase,nucleotidase, and glycosyl-transferase. The pro-teins are either isolated from the organism inquestion or are available from cloned E. coli carry-ing the corresponding genes. The illustrationsshow the 3-D structure of a helicase enzyme,which is able to unwind the twin strands of DNAand is fuelled by ATP. The family of helicases playsan important role in all processes that require sin-gle stranded DNA.

Having analysed the structure of a protein, itsmode of operation can be investigated using spec-troscopy and biochemical and theoretical model-ling methods. Details can be clarified by selective-ly exchanging amino acids by genetic methodsand studying the effects. In order to obtain a morefundamental understanding of how a protein func-tions, we cooperate with theoretical researchgroups using computer simulations.

Another project is using computer simulationtechniques to investigate the properties and func-tions of proteins. Working in cooperation withexperimental research groups, redox and protona-tion reactions are characterised by calculatingelectrostatic interactions. Enzyme reactions aresimulated by a combination of quantum chemicalmethods and classical mechanics.

In addition to applied research, new methods arealso developed and tested for the solution of twokey problems of theoretical molecular biology.Computer simulation methods are used for theprediction of three-dimensional protein struc-tures, and models are produced to simulate howproteins fold in their native structures, using spe-cial methods to determine the long-term dynam-ics of proteins.

The Structural Biochemistry research group is inte-grated in the DFG Collaborative Research Centres

Structural biochemistry – X-ray crystallography and computer modelling of proteins

It is only possible to understand how biologicalmacromolecules work if their three-dimensionalstructures are known together with the atomicarchitecture of their active centres. The causallinks between structure and function, and therecent developments in biotechnology, molecularbiology, and computer sciences have led to grow-ing interest in structural biochemistry.

The best way to determine the structure of verylarge molecules is x-ray crystallography, butbecause this requires a sufficient quantity of verypure protein, structural biochemists also have tobe familiar with the techniques used in molecularbiology and biochemistry.

Helicase hexamer

enzyme with cofactor ATP (red)

Helicase monomer

(after ATP-depletion)



Ω Research

Sfb 449 "Structure and function of membraneintrinsic receptors" and Sfb 498 "Protein-cofactorinteractions in biological processes", and is a part-ner in three EU projects. In addition it has playeda leading role in the establishment of the "ProteinStructure Factory", which has its own beam facili-ty for protein crystallography at the BESSY II syn-chrotron.

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb_chemie/ikr/ag/saenger


http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb_chemie/ikr/ag/knapp


Development of the

oligopeptide V7G2V7 (antiparallel folding

structur)…

…and A7G2A7(Helix-Turn-Helix-structure)


http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/saenger/top.html


http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb_chemie/ikr/ag/knapp/index.html



Ω Research


Ω Research

One of the big advantages of theses molecules isthat it is possible to produce them with a greatnumber of modifications. Using molecular evolu-tion techniques, a pool of 1015 variants can easilybe generated. Furthermore, it is then possible toisolate from this pool one or more molecules withspecific properties for structural and functionaltests, and then to amplify these. In parallel to thediscovery of ribozymes and aptamers, chemicalmethods have been developed for synthesisingRNA molecules that are of fundamental impor-tance for progress in the field of RNA technology.

Another breakthrough in this area of research hasbeen the recently successful in vitro synthesis ofrelatively large amounts of protein in a proteinbioreactor. This opens up completely new hori-zons for molecular biologists, biotechnologistsand medical scientists. In order to be able to utilise the enormous poten-tial of these complex new technologies, a “Net-work for RNA Technologies” has been set up atthe Freie Universität Berlin with the support of theGerman Government, Land Berlin, and industrialfunding.

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/biochemie/agerdmann/AGErdmann.html


Medical biochemistry:The network of RNA technologies

The beginning of a new century has seen theemergence of an extremely promising new tech-nology - so-called RNA technology. There can beno doubt that it will have a major influence on thefuture development of biotechnology and medicalscience.

What is RNA technology? It involves variousmethods and techniques that make use of thestructural and functional properties of ribonucleicacids (RNAs) to open up new opportunities forthe advancement of research in biotechnologyand medical science. Recently discovered proper-ties of RNA molecules include non-proteinenzyme activities, and extremely selective bondingto other molecules. The catalytic RNA moleculesare referred to as ribozymes and RNAs with highaffinity are aptamers and spiegelmers. Ribozymescan be used as very specific “scissors” for theinactivation of other RNA molecules in the cell.Aptamers resemble the antibodies of the immunesystem and can therefore be used in similar ways.

5S rRNA crystal of the

Helix A of Thermus

flavus and … …the atomic structure of the Helix

Bioreactor for in vitro

protein synthesis


http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/biochemie/agerdmann/EAGErdmann.htm



Ω Research


Ω Research

A further project concentrates on the nicotinicacetylcholine receptor (NAChR). This proteinreceptor in the post-synaptic membrane is a pro-totype for ligand-controlled ion-channels. The aimof the research is to define structural elementsthat form the basis for various functional proper-ties of NAChR. The binding positions of variousclasses of ligand are characterised – for exampleof toxins from the venom of snakes or from awasps sting. Methods from protein chemistry areused such as Edman sequencing, HPLC, MALDI-and ESI-mass spectrometry. A further area ofinterest is the expression and structural clarifica-tion of individual domains of NAChR that are ofimportance for the regulation of the receptor.

In the cell nucleus, the inner nucleus membrane isa structure that could be involved in signal pro-cessing. As yet, relatively few of the proteins ofthis membrane are known, but they influence thefunctional organisation of the cell nucleus. Theaim of this research project is to identify furtherproteins, to characterise these, and to describetheir phosphorylisation-dependent interactionswith other proteins in the nucleoproteins. As amodel protein, the lamina-associated polypeptide2 beta is used, which is integrated in this mem-brane. The search for its bindings partners andthe characterisation of the protein-protein interac-tions involves a combination a techniques frommolecular biology cell biochemistry – the expres-sion of recombinant proteins, cell cultures withfibroblast and neuroblast cells.

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/biochemie/aghucho/hucho_g.html


Neurochemistry – Signals through the cell membrane

Signals that reach the plasma membrane oftenlead to modulation of gene expression and thuseventually influence the growth and differentiationof a cell. But how are the signals transmittedacross the membrane of the cell nucleus? Inrecent years it has been found that some enzymes– such as the protein kinase C (PKC) – are able tofind their way into the cell nucleus. The goal of theresearch group is to identify the binding partnersand substrates of the PKC in the nucleus and toclarify the mechanism of translocation. PKC doesnot have a classic transport signal. The investiga-tions using techniques from molecular biologyand protein chemistry are conducted in part at thelevel of primary neurones - that is directly on nervecells isolated from brain tissue.

Cell nucleus (below),

membranes (o.).

Exchange via

"Nucleus pore complex"

Receptor protein. Ion channel (right)

makes the cell membrane permeable

Cells, transfected with

"green-fluorescent protein"

(GFP)


http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/biochemie/aghucho/hucho_g.html



Ω Studying and teaching


Ω Studying and teaching

The programme for the Diplom Chemistry qualifi-cation aims to address the spectrum of the maincurrent and up-coming areas of research in thefield. Students are actively encouraged to spendsome time studying in another country. Academicachievements are recognised under the EuropeanCredit Transfer System.After an introductory period of four semesters, thesecond part of the Biochemistry Diplom pro-gramme is modular, offering students an opportu-nity to set up their own curriculum, with a widerange of options to choose from. Here too, inter-national experience is encouraged and credits canbe transferred. Those studying to become teachers in Germanytake a course of studies defined by the state – thisis currently being updated.

The Master of Science courses in Chemistry/Bio-chemistry and Polymer Science have a clear inter-national orientation and are designed to preparestudents for the demands of their future profes-sion, with teaching offered mainly (or completely)in English covering the spectrum of modern top-ics. The high standards of the teaching are maintainedwith the help of regular teacher evaluation by thestudents.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb/index.htmlhttp://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~selim/daad

Studying and teaching

The Institute of Chemistry offers a modern pro-gramme of degree courses with an internationalorientation. In addition to the classic qualifica-tions of Chemistry Diplom or the state qualifica-tion for chemistry teachers, it is also possible toobtain a Biochemistry Diplom, or to take a bilin-gual (German/English) Master of Science (M. Sc.)course in Chemistry/Biochemistry. In addition, theFU Berlin – together with the Humboldt Univer-sität Berlin, the Technische Universität Berlin andthe Universität Potsdam – offers an English-lan-guage M. Sc. programme in Polymer Science.These three courses have been selected for finan-cial support by the Donor's Association for thePromotion of Science, the German AcademicExchange Service, and the Federal-Länder Com-mission for Educational Planning and ResearchPromotion.

Model curriculy have been developed for all pro-grammes that allow students to study efficientlyand without unnecessary delays. Prizes are award-ed to particularly successful students. The teach-ing staff at the Institute have instituted a mentorprogramme for all students. Problems are dis-cussed in small groups and tips and assistancecan be provided.

Phot

os: A

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er



http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~selim/daad/


Ω Chemistry in brief

Chemistry in brief

Central address

Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of ChemistryTakustr. 314195 BerlinGermany

Tel.: +49-30-838-52624 · Fax: +49-30-838-55163E-mail: [email protected]://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de

Research fields / Professors

Inorganic and analytical chemistryRadiochemistryUlrich Abram, [email protected], crystal structure analysisHans Hartl, [email protected] chemistryKonrad Seppelt, [email protected] analysisJürgen Simon, [email protected]

Organic chemistrySupramolecular chemistryJürgen Fuhrhop, [email protected] organic synthesisHans-Ulrich Reißig, [email protected] reactionDieter Rewicki, [email protected] chemistry A. Dieter Schlüter, [email protected]

Physical and theoretical chemistrySpectroscopy, photochemistryHelmut Baumgärtel, [email protected], surface propertiesKlaus Christmann, [email protected]/photochemistry, photocalorimetry Jürgen Dohrmann, [email protected] methods in chemistryDietrich Haase, [email protected] and photo-induced reactionsEugen Illenberger, [email protected] analyticsHans-Heinrich Limbach, [email protected] of molecular reaction dynamicsJörn Manz, [email protected]

Ihr Partner für die CAS Datenbanken bei STN

Schneller Zugriffgarantiert.

Die Welt derChemie Information

Allgemeine ChemieTechnische ChemieStrukturen & ReaktionenPharmakologiePolymerchemieSicherheit

www.fiz-chemie.de


http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/index_en.html



















CrystallographyComputer simulation of biol. macromoleculesErnst-Walter Knapp, [email protected] crystallographyPeter Luger, [email protected] Saenger, [email protected]

BiochemistryBiogenesis of cellular organellesRalf Erdmann, [email protected] technologiesVolker Erdmann, [email protected] Hucho, [email protected] repair mechanismsManfred Schweiger, [email protected]

Didactics of chemistryAngela Köhler-Krützfeld, [email protected]

Further details of research work at the Institute and the headsof working groups can be found at:http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/fb/index.html

Research projects

DFG Collaborative research centres

Sfb 344: “Regulating structures of nucleic acids and proteins”

Sfb 448: “Mesoscopically organised composites”http://www.tu-berlin.de/~sfb448

Sfb 449: “Structure and function of membrane intrinsic receptors”http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~sfb449

Post-graduate research groups

“Structures, properties and recognition of biological macro-molecules” (with HU Berlin)http://www.mdc.berlin.de/~gradkoll

“Dynamics and evolution of cellular and macromolecularprocesses”

“Protein Structure Factory” - Berlin Structural Genomics Projecthttp://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~psf

Anzeige Wiss. Gerätebau

Achtung! Anzeige Auf Film!











http://www.tu-berlin.de/~sfb448/

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~sfb449/

http://www.mdc-berlin.de/~gradkoll/

http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~psf/





Students and personnel (figures for 2000)

965 students22 professors109 scientific personnel76 non-scientific personnel40 student tutors

Research and academic achievements (1999)

Research funding /third-party funding DM 1,5 m / DM 11 m

Degrees awarded 76Doctorates: 95Habilitations: 6

Scientific cooperation in Germany (examples)

Berlin: Hahn-Meitner Institute; Dept. of Medicine, FU Berlin;Humboldt Universität; Max-Born Institute; Schering AG; Tech-nische Universität Berlin; Bochum: Ruhr-Universität; Dortmund: Universität Dortmund; Frankfurt: Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker; Freiburg: Universität Freiburg; Hannover: Universität Hannover; Inst. f. Solarenergiefor-schung GmbH; Heidelberg: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum; FB Biologie,Universität Heidelberg; Leipzig: Universität Leipzig; München: FB Physik, Universität München; Potsdam-Golm: Max-Planck-Institut f. Kolloid- u. Grenzflächen-forschung; Tübingen: Universität Tübingen; Ulm: Universität Ulm.

International cooperation (examples)

Austria: Institute of Medical Biology and Human Genetics,Institute of Ion Physics, University of Innsbruck; Belarus: National Academy of Science of Belarus; Croatia: R. Boscovic Institute, Zagreb; France: Laboratoire des Collisions Atomique et Moléculaire,Université Paris-Sud; Université de Strasbourg; Centre Nation-al de Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse; Great Britain: University of Nottingham; Hong Kong: University of Science and Technology;

Israel: Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva; Hebrew University,Jerusalem; Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot; Technion,Haifa; Italy: Instituto de Fotochimica e Radiazione d’Alta Energia deC.N.R., Padua; Japan: University of Tokyo; New Zealand: University of Auckland; Russia: Academy of Sciences, Moscow; Faculty of Physics, St.Petersburg State University; Serbia: University of Belgrade; Slovakia: Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava; South Africa: University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg;Spain: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas,Madrid; Sweden: Lund University; USA: School of Medicine, Dept. of Biological Chemistry, JohnsHopkins University Baltimore; Advanced Light Source, Berke-ley; Pennsylvania State University; University of California,Riverside.

Academic qualifications awarded

Diploma in Chemistry; Diploma in BiochemistryB.Sc. in Chemistry; B.Sc. in Biochemistry

Master of Science, Chemistry/ Biochemistry, bilingualhttp://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~selim/daad/

Master of Science, Polymer Science, (in English) http://www.polymerscience.de

State teaching qualification for chemistry

Services

Student counselling: Biochemistry: Tel.: +49-30-838-52423; Chemistry: Tel.:+49-30-838-53752Teaching: Tel.: +49-30-838-52626

Student office: Tel.:+49-30-838-53467

Chemistry initiative: E-mail: [email protected]

Chemistry library: Tel.: +49-30-838-54098


http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/~selim/daad/

http://www.polymerscience.de/




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Documents

Institute of Chemistry Freie Universität Berlinkirste.userpage.fu-berlin.de/fb/history/ch-en_2000.pdf · Institute of Chemistry Ω Structure of the institute 10 Freie Universität