Basic Elements of Biochemistry for the Protection of the Environment 4030-PBCH-W
General principles of cellular metabolism. Direction of metabolic reactions. Metabolic pathways. Catabolism and anabolism. ATP, NAD(P), and CoA. Proteins and enzymes. Lipids and membranes. Membrane transport. Strategic goals of metabolism. Energy acquisition: oxidation of organic compounds. Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation. Energy acquisition: the respiratory chain and photosynthesis. ATP synthase. Synthesis of materials required by the cell. The pentose phosphate pathway. Gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis. Regulation of metabolic pathways. Allosteric enzymes, feedback regulation, enzyme modifications, enzyme synthesis. Nitrogen metabolism. DNA structure. Chromatin. DNA replication. Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. RNA processing. The genetic code. Synthesis of the polypeptide chain and protein folding. At the intersection of biochemistry, molecular biology, and environmental protection. Xenobiotic metabolism. DNA repair. Genetically modified organisms.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student:
Describes the main principles of cellular metabolism.
Identifies the strategic goals of metabolism.
Describes the major metabolic pathways and cycles.
Explains the mechanisms of metabolic pathway regulation.
Recognizes the fundamental processes of molecular biology.
Describes the structure of DNA and chromatin, as well as gene replication and expression.
Identifies areas of biochemistry and molecular biology that intersect with environmental protection.
Assessment criteria
Final exam, which the student is allowed to take after passing the laboratory classes. Exam format: written — a single-choice multiple-choice test. Duration of the exam: 90 minutes.
Practical placement
No practical training is included
Bibliography
Bibliography:
Instant Notes in Biochemistry
Authors: David B. Hames, Nigel M. Hooper
BIOS Scientific Publishers / Taylor & Francis, 2nd edition or later
Genomes
Author: T.A. Brown
Garland Science (or Genomes 2, Genomes 3)
Biochemistry
Authors: Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Lubert Stryer
W.H. Freeman 2005 or later editions
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Authors: W.H. Elliott and D.C. Elliott
OUP, Oxford 2001 or later editions
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: