521-212 Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Part B

Credit Points:

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Timetable:

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Objectives:

By the end of the program the student should have acquired:

• knowledge of the fundamental areas of Biochemistry, particularly relating to the biochemistry of genetic and metabolic processes, necessary for those who wish to continue with the study of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and useful to those who wish to specialise in other biological sciences;

• a detailed understanding of the principal metabolic pathways and their control;

• a detailed understanding of the molecular processes involved in gene expression and its regulation and DNA replication and repair.

Content:

The replication of DNA; mutagenesis of the genetic material and DNA repair mechanisms; the expression, transcription and translation of genes to yield functional enzymes and other proteins; mechanism of action of antibiotics; regulation of gene expression; applications of molecular cloning and recombinant DNA in the investigation of gene structure, function and regulation; the major mammalian pathways for the catabolic and anabolic metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen-containing compounds; bioenergetics and mitochondrial function; photosynthesis and carbon fixation; metabolic control including introduction to action of hormones and lipid soluble vitamins.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Lehninger A, Nelson D and Cox M, Principles of Biochemistry, 2nd ed. 1993 Worth.