On July 8th and 9th, Professor Peng Zheng, an alumnus of Kuang Yaming Honors School and a professor of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Nanjing University, delivered lectures on macromolecules of life and single molecule research to the Class of 2023 and 2024.
Focusing on interdisciplinary research in chemistry and biology, Prof. Zheng uses the atomic force microscope (AFM), the instrument of single-molecule force spectroscopy, to study the properties of various proteins related to human health. In this summer school, Prof. Zheng gave the students two informative lectures on his field of research.
Firstly, Prof. Zheng introduced the definition of science and the history of scientific research. Then he moved on to the main topic of the lecture: biomacromolecules. Taking hemoglobin as an example, Prof. Zheng brought up many questions to arouse students’ curiosity and inspire them to think. Then he demonstrated some basics of proteins, including the relationships between amino acids and proteins' structural properties, proteins' key role in the human body, and their significant applications in medical areas such as anticancer therapies. After his detailed explanation, the students developed a comprehensive understanding of proteins. Prof. Zheng also introduced other biomacromolecules, including nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Then he gave the students a general picture of advanced biotechnology, such as gene sequencing, nucleic acid testing, genetic mutation, etc.
In the second lecture, Prof. Zheng introduced the atomic force microscope (AFM) and single-molecule force spectroscopy. Starting from the concept of the "nanometer", he listed some studies at the atomic level. AFM was a brand-new concept to many students, but through this lecture, the students learned that it is the new atomic-level high-resolution microscope invented after the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), the principle of which is based on the micro-level movement of a sharp tip and laser to calculate the interatomic force. Moreover, AFM can play a role in studying proteins, such as interactions between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and receptors on human cell membranes. After learning about Prof. Zheng's achievements in this area, the students all admired him.
At the end of the lecture, Prof. Zheng answered some questions raised by the students and encouraged them to pursue what they love in their future and live life to the fullest.
