Molecular Biosciences
Investigating the mechanisms of life
The molecular biosciences address the diverse basis of the interactions of biological molecules with living material. Research findings are achieved by applying various techniques and model systems to a range of different length and time scales, thereby providing a basis for rapid developments in future technologies such as genetic engineering, biomedicine, and molecular biotechnology.
Structure, dynamics and function of biomacromolecules
As a research location in Germany, Bayreuth has always played a leading role – both nationally and internationally – in the molecular biosciences, with traditional strengths in the investigation of the structure, dynamics, and function of biomacromolecules.
Our research focuses on the biophysical, biochemical, and cytological investigation of the spatial structure and function of biomacromolecules, their complexes with other macromolecules, and small organic molecules as well as the higher biological structures that they form. The latter include chromosomes, organelles, and entire cells, as well as the way they are organized in tissue or populations.
The focus area thus gains comprehensive, functional, and mechanistic insights into the molecular interplay of cellular processes on multiple scales, from building individual macromolecules to details of their interactions with other molecules and also their functional influence on cellular structures.
Highly visible, interdisciplinary research
The focus on the structure, dynamics, and function of biomacromolecules is not a distinguishing feature limited to the region of northern Bavaria. The quality and broad spectrum of subject areas contributing to this field at the University of Bayreuth ensure a high degree of national and international visibility. The working groups in biochemistry, biomaterials, biopolymers, microbiology, genetics, and cellular biology, along with closely related scientific fields such as experimental physics and plant physiology/ genetics or organic and bio-organic chemistry represent the defining core of the focus area.
Natural cooperation partners outside of the focus area Molecular Biosciences are research groups from the focus areas Polymer & Colloid Science, Nonlinear Dynamics, and Food & Health Sciences (emerging field).