BICH 104 Biochemistry I

15 Credits

0.125 EFTs



Introduction

Biochemistry I is an introduction to biochemistry. It is designed both for students who wish to progress in the course and for people who would like to understand more about how living things work. The course has three components: an overview of the types of molecules found in cells, an introduction to the ways in which cells get energy from photosynthesis and from food molecules (which will be illustrated by considering the breakdown of sugars) and finally how new life can develop from the genetic material stored in each cell’s DNA and exploration of key molecular tools that we can use that exploit the ‘technology’ within cells. The theoretical material is accompanied by weekly practical sessions which illustrate the concepts and develop some of the skills of a practicing biochemist and molecular biologist.

Because biochemistry is about the interactions of molecules, some chemical structures will need to be learnt. The emphasis will, however, be on the principles of biochemistry.

 

Topics

  • What is biochemistry? Cell theory, structure of cells,
  • DNA structure, chromosomes and the nucleus, RNA structure, the cell cycle and mitosis
  • Amino acids and the peptide bond
  • Protein structure, the different functions of proteins, structural proteins: cytoskeleton and collagen
  • Enzymes as catalysts, enzymes and their environment
    Carbohydrates and polysaccharides
  • Energy and ATP, redox reactions and NADH, overview of metabolism
  • Glycolysis: an example of a pathway, regulation of glycolysis, mitochondria: powerhouse of the cell
  • Citric acid cycle and the integration of metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport, different metabolic plans: plants and animals
  • Photosynthesis, plant cell structure, chloroplasts and other plastidsLipid structure, membrane structure, compartmentation and transport
  • Replication of DNA, transcription and the genetic code, translation of the code into protein
  • Technologies that exploit DNA and their applications: the molecular biological toolkit: including genetic engineering; restriction nucleases, cloning, PCR, DNA sequencing and vectors.
 

Schedule and location

Copies of the final timetable will be available at Registration.
Semester two timetable block 1
 

Recommended preparatory courses

 

Examinations

Exam dates will be available at the end of week five in each semester. Until exam dates are advised, students should not plan to leave the University until the end of the exam period.
 

Examiner

Victoria Metcalf, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
 

Apply to Study

Page last updated on: 06/03/2012