Biomolecular Dynamics, Structure, and Function

Apply to NSF 11-545

This Cluster supports fundamental research in the areas of molecular biophysics and biochemistry. The cluster gives high priority to the creative projects that address the relationships between structure, function, and dynamics in studies of individual biomolecules and their complexes by an integrated approach of theory, computation, and experimental methods such as NMR, X-ray crystallography, EPR, and optical spectroscopy including single molecule methods.  The cluster encourages research projects that are designed to discover and define general principles of macromolecular structure, dynamics, and mechanisms, as well as projects that will develop cutting-edge technologies in the context of biological questions relevant to the cluster. The cluster also encourages multi-disciplinary research at the interface of biology with physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Funding priority is given to proposals that identify critical gaps in our understanding, propose imaginative experiments to fill the gaps, and promise high-impact breakthroughs in the following areas:

• Structure and dynamics of biomolecules
• Biomolecular interactions and mechanisms
• Energy transduction: photosynthesis and biological electron transfer

As stated in the Grant Proposal Guide, proposals to conduct research motivated primarily by relevance to human diseases and health is not appropriate for the division and will be returned without review.