Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
BB10089 Biochemistry |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 80%, PR 20% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce students to the fundamentals of central metabolism and to relate the regulation of these pathways to the homeostasis of the whole organism. In order to appreciate and understand metabolism, the students are taught the fundamental aspects of amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid structures. After taking this course the student should be able to: * know the pathways of central metabolism & energy conversion of the cell * appreciate the way in which central metabolism connects catabolism and anabolism * understand the regulation of central metabolism with respect to the needs of the organism in relation to its environment * appreciate the principles of mitochondrial oxidative function * understand lipid structure and the pathways of fatty acid oxidation and sythesis * understand the mechanisms of neurotransmission and muscle contraction * comprehend the stereochemistry of small organic molecules of biological importance Content: 1) Proteins: amino acids - structures, ionisation and physical properties; primary structure and an overview of protein folding and conformation 2) Enzymes: catalysis, kinetics, regulation 3) Metabolism: chemistry of monosaccharides, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, regulation of central metabolism. 4) Mitochondrial bioenergetics: respiration, oxidative phosphorylation and the chemiosmotic theory. 5) Lipid metabolism: structure of lipids, catabolism and anabolism of fatty acids, ketogenesis and coordination with other metabolic pathways. 6) Biochemistry of animal tissues and organs, such as mechanisms of neurotransmission and muscle contraction. |