521-024 Biological Chemistry

Credit Points:

Coordinator:

Prerequisite/s:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

By the end of the teaching in Biological Chemistry the student should:

Comprehend:

• the relationships between chemical structure and biological function as exemplified in the various classes of molecules which make up living organisms;

• the basic concepts which underlie intermediary metabolism and its regulation including endocrine regulation;

• the underlying molecular bases of processes such as transport of ions and the digestion of basic foodstuffs;

• the basic concepts which underlie the regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis.

Appreciate:

• the role of biochemistry in modern agriculture.

Develop:

• relevant laboratory skills for simple experimentation involving biochemical systems;

• quantitative and qualitative skills in manipulation of experimental data.

Content:

An introduction to the chemistry and biochemistry of plants, animals and micro-organisms. The application of biochemistry to modern agriculture is emphasised throughout the course by use of examples from current agronomic practice. The subject includes discussion of the chemical reactivity, methods of analysis and structure versus function relationships of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and the intermediates through which they are synthesised and degraded. Use is made of examples such as wool, hair, cellulose, starch, natural fats and oils to illustrate basic chemical and biochemical concepts. Specific topics include: elementary reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry of carbon compounds with emphasis on carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins. Thermodynamics and reaction kinetics in biological systems. An outline of the organisation of metabolism including digestion and absorption in animals. The role of high energy intermediates in cellular metabolism. Bioenergetics: photochemical and chemical events concerned with the trapping of solar energy: ATP formation and utilisation in aerobic and anaerobic organisms. A detailed introduction to enzymes: their properties and functions. Consideration of the pathways of metabolism such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, fatty acid synthesis and the oxidation of fats in animals, plants and bacteria, photosynthesis and photorespiration, monogastric and ruminant metabolism. Structure and function of muscle. Regulation of metabolism: regulatory enzymes, hormones and associated second messenger systems. An introduction to DNA, RNA structure and replication and to protein synthesis and its regulation.

Practical Work: 48 hours, including up to eight hours of computer-assisted learning. Biochemical analysis with emphasis on metabolism, enzymes and regulation. The apparatus used for practical work is supplied by the Biochemistry Department.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Stryer L., Biochemistry, 4th ed. W. H. Freeman & Co, 1995.