521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A

Chemistry 610-122 or 610-142 or 610-162 (plus their Chemistry prerequisite). Biology 600-141 plus 600-142 are strongly recommended.

Biological macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates, provide the molecular basis for all living systems. To understand these systems we must understand the structures, functions and chemical properties of these macromolecules. Content includes an introduction to the principles of cellular functions; amino acid chemistry; structure and function of proteins with particular attention given to haemoglobin and immunoglobulins; properties of enzymes and their regulation; carbohydrate structure and function; the structural properties of nucleic acids, DNA replication and repair, and implications for their roles as genetic material; an appreciation of the fundamentals and applications of recombinant DNA technology; lipid chemistry; cell membrane composition, dynamics and function including membrane transport processes; the molecular architecture of the cell.

Computer-based tests of knowledge gained in computer tutorials (10%); a 40-minute written mid-term examination (10%); a 3-hour written examination at the end of the semester (80%).