Particles of the world - from quantum to DNA

In this talk we will show how we are using a microscopy technique called cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to study how proteins work directly inside cells. We will briefly explain the principles of cryo-ET and present some examples from our research group where we have used it to study proteins involved in carbon fixation and human diseases.

In order to interpret our genetic information, regulatory proteins called transcription factors need access to the DNA in our cells. However, this DNA is tightly packaged into structures called nucleosomes. How do transcription factors 'pry open' this packaging to get to this critical information to control nearly all aspects of biology?

Between facts and fictions, quantum physics and one of its most prominent technological application, quantum computers, have been sources of both formidable and dreadful promises. I will attempt to distinguish between what is currently possible nowadays, what we can reasonably expect in the short or mid-term future, from what is most likely fantasy.

Both the DNA double helix and Fusilli pasta come in a spiral shape. In a pack of Fusilli pasta, you will probably get the same number of left- and right-handed spirals with (mostly?) identical tastes. The double helix of natural DNA is quite different: it only forms right-handed spirals. This is because its molecular building blocks are fundamentally asymmetric. Just like human hands, these molecular blocks exist in two forms that are perfect mirror images of each other, but non-identical. This form of mirror asymmetry is called chirality. In PoS 2023, we explore the science behind chirality.