BIOLOGY 436 BIOCHEMISTRY

TEXTBOOK:  Principles of Biochemistry by R. Horton et.al.  Pearson Prentice Hall.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  A study of chemistry of biological systems including metabolic interrelationships, reaction rates, control mechanisms, and integration of these reactions within the structural framework of the cell.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  Students will:

• Gain a solid understanding of the nature of chemicals that make up life and how they interact to sustain the activities of a living cell.
• Thoroughly understand cellular energetics, mechanisms of enzymatic reactions and metabolic pathways that drive life.
• Be able to conceptualize the interactions between the various pathways and appreciate the complexity of cellular chemistry.
• Be able to think critically, interpret hypothetical experimental observations based on concepts learned in class, and develop problem-solving skills.
• Be able to effectively read and comprehend assigned review literature, and communicate this knowledge in the form of a critical review.
• Be able to appreciate how our understanding of biochemistry has resulted in a fundamental understanding of life, as well as its impact on medicine, health and nutrition.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Biological Macromolecules/Summary of Cell Biology
• Energetics
• Properties of Water
• Amino Acids
• Proteins: 3-D structure and function
• Properties of Enzymes
• Enzyme Mechanisms
• Coenzymes and Vitamins
• Carbohydrates
• Lipids and Membranes
• An Introduction to Metabolism
• Glycolysis
• Gluconeogenesis
• Glycogen metabolism
• Citric Acid Cycle
• Electron Transport and ATP Synthesis
• Nucleic Acids