structural biology
Structural biology is a branch of science that focuses on understanding the molecular structure of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. By studying their shapes and arrangements, researchers can gain insights into how these molecules function in living organisms. Techniques like X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and cryoelectron microscopy are commonly used to visualize these structures at atomic resolution.
This field is crucial for various applications, including drug design and understanding diseases at a molecular level. By revealing the intricate details of biomolecules, structural biology helps scientists develop targeted therapies and improve our knowledge of cellular processes.