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Home  /  Faculty  /  William M. (Bil) Clemons, Jr.

William M. (Bil) Clemons, Jr.

Research Summary
Membrane protein structure; protein synthesis and translocation; X-ray crystallography
Profile

Assistant: Ann Mao

The Clemons group is primarily interested in understanding the molecular details of life and as a tool we focus on "structural biology". We can't do everything...yet, so we currently work on problems related to protein transport across membranes and post-translational modification of proteins. We primarily use X-ray crystallography but also work with biochemistry, microbiology, mass spectrometry and electron microscopy.

We are currently focused on three processes involved in protein secretion. The first two systems, Sec and Tat, are pathways for proteins to be translocated across membranes. The second is the essential eukaryotic process of protein glycosylation by which sugars are added specifically to proteins. We are also interested in the general problem of the over-expression and synthesis of membrane proteins.

Publications

For a complete publications list, see feeds.library.caltech.edu
2022-23
Ch/Bi 110 ab. Introduction to Biochemistry. 12 units (4-0-8); first, second terms, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc or instructor's permission. Lectures and recitation introducing the molecular basis of life processes. In the first term, topics will include the structure and chemical properties of biological macromolecules, molecular biology methods, and biological catalysis. The second term will cover an overview of metabolism and the biochemistry behind the transmission of genetic information.
Instructors: Clemons (a), Rees (b)
BMB/Ch 202 abc. Biochemistry Seminar Course. 1 unit; first, second, third terms, 2022-23. The course focuses on a seminar on selected topics from outside faculty on recent advances in biochemistry. Components for each faculty visit include participation in a recitation, a formal discussion section with visiting faculty, and attendance of the Biochemistry seminar. Biochemistry Seminars take place 1-2 times per month (usually 4pm on Thursdays).
Instructor: Clemons
2019-20
Bi/Ch 110. Introduction to Biochemistry. 12 units (4-0-8); first term, 2019-20. Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc or instructor's permission. Lectures and recitation introducing the molecular basis of life processes, with emphasis on the structure and function of proteins. Topics will include the derivation of protein structure from the information inherent in a genome, biological catalysis, and the intermediary metabolism that provides energy to an organism.
Instructor: Clemons
BMB/Bi/Ch 173. Biophysical/Structural Methods. 9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2019-20. Basic principles of modern biophysical and structural methods used to interrogate macromolecules from the atomic to cellular levels, including light and electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, single molecule techniques, circular dichroism, surface plasmon resonance, mass spectrometry, and molecular dynamics and systems biological simulations.
Instructors: Clemons, Jensen, and other guest lectures
BMB/Bi/Ch 174. Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Biophysics. 6 units (3-0-3); first term, 2019-20. Prerequisites: Bi/Ch 110 or equivalent. Discussion of research fields in biochemistry and molecular biophysics at Caltech.
Instructors: Clemons, Hoelz, Shan and various guest lecturers