ASC2657

Cellular metabolism

Next offered by distance in 2000

Dr Peter Towns

8 points - Second semester - Four hours of lectures and one 4-hour laboratory class per week - Gippsland - Prerequisites: ASC2646 or BCH2011 - Prohibitions: BCH2022, BCH2042, BTH2757, GAS2142

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to list the reaction sequences whereby common cellular fuels are catabolised, accompanied by the conservation of biologically useful energy; write the major pathways for amino acid catabolism and the excretion of nitrogen; appreciate the link between energy conservation and biosyntheses; describe the major biosynthetic reaction sequences for carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides; discuss the integration of metabolic processes to meet the needs of the functioning organism; understand the mechanisms of control of metabolic reaction sequences; demonstrate practical techniques for the isolation and assay of proteins from complex biological mixtures; demonstrate advanced laboratory skills, in particular data collection/interpretation and report writing.

Synopsis The subject is introduced by a general outline of metabolism and bioenergetics, then continues with cellular oxidation reactions, the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and pathways whereby energy is released from major dietary components: carbohydrate, protein and lipid. A study of photosynthesis illustrates the linkage between electron transport systems and biosyntheses. Other biosyntheses discussed include those of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotides. The integration and control of cellular biochemistry is considered. This includes the role of hormones in metabolic regulation. Practical work is an integral component of the subject, emphasising techniques of preparation and assay and illustrating critical aspects of the theory.

Assessment Mid-semester test and final examination: 70% - Practical work: 30% - A pass in both theory and practical work is mandatory.

Prescribed texts

Garrett R H and Grisham C M Biochemistry Saunders, 1995

Recommended texts

Holme D J and Peck H Analytical biochemistry 2nd edn, Longman Scientific, 1993
Kirkup L Experimental methods: An introduction to the presentation of data Wiley, 1994
Moorthy K Fundamentals of biochemical calculations DLM, 1994

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook