BMS1011

Biomedical chemistry

6 points · 3 lectures and a 3-hour laboratory class or computer-based or tutorial class per week · First semester · Clayton campus · Prohibited combinations: CHM1011, CHM1022, CHM1031, CHM1042

Objectives This subject is an introduction to the chemical principles of life with an emphasis on the molecular building blocks of living cells. At the conclusion of this subject, students will have achieved a basic understanding of the chemical and biochemical aspects of functional groups in biological molecules. Students will have developed an understanding of the common reactions found in metabolic systems such as oxidation-reduction, bond formation, bond breaking events and a knowledge of the role of water. The students will have understood the role of equilibrium and kinetic processes in biology and the concepts of enzyme catalysis. They will also have developed an appreciation of biological oxidation and the metabolic release of energy. They will also have been introduced to the chemistry of the important biological polymers and lipids. Students will also have developed basic skills in laboratory experimentation, and the reporting of experiments in oral and written form. On completion of the subject, students will have a good knowledge of the biochemistry of molecules and reactions of biomedical importance.

Synopsis The subject introduces students to the chemistry of organic molecules and the biochemistry of cells and provides groundwork for the subjects BMS1062 (Molecular biology) in second semester and BMS2021(Biochemistry of human function) in second year. The role of functional groups in biological molecules of biomedical importance; properties and reactions of organic molecules containing biologically relevant groups; stereo- and structural isomerism, optical activity. Common reactions in metabolism such as oxidation, oxidation-reduction relationship, bond formation and bond breaking events. The role of water. Ionisation, the concept of pH. Osmosis, osmotic pressure and the tonicity of the cellular environment. Proteins as biological polymers; protein composition and primary/higher order structure. Physical properties of proteins in solution, amphoteric behaviour, solubility, denaturation and protein electrophoresis. Enzyme catalysis and kinetics, competitive and non-competitive inhibition. Biological oxidation and cellular energetics. ATP and high energy P bonds. Oxidation/reduction processes. The mitochondrial electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation and inhibitors of the electron transport chain. Purines, pyrimidines, and the structure of DNA and RNA. Solubility, denaturation and electrophoresis of nucleic acids. Structure of lipids and polysaccharides.

Assessment Computer tests: 10% · Written theory exam of short answer questions and MCQs: 60% · Practical component: 30%

Prescribed texts

Brown W H and Foote C Introduction to organic chemistry 2nd edn, Saunders, 1998

Back to the 1999 Medicine Handbook