Macromolecular Complexes

Macromolecular complexes are „nanomachines“ involved in virtually all elementary processes of life. Each living cell is a microcosm of small nanomachines, which direct all elementary processes that we call life. Macromolecular complexes are protein structures of which thousands are employed in removing waste products from cells, organising cell respiration and communication amongst cells. Only through these functions is it possible for highly complex, specialized and constantly changing organisms to develop from a single cell. The Cluster of Excellence Macromolecular Complexes (CEF) in Frankfurt (Main) investigates the processes in cell in order to understand the elementary processes of life on a cellular-molecular level. The latest electron microscopes and specifically designed imaging systems are required for this research. Diseases are partly based on malfunctions of macromolecular complexes and a better understanding will lead to more successful treatment of diseases like Alzheimer or cancer.