ASC3646

Medical aspects of cell biology

Dr Peter Towns

Next offered by distance in 1999

8 points
* First semester
* Four hours of lectures and one 4-hour laboratory session per week (these are average figures to permit inclusion of some lengthy experiments)
* Gippsland/ Distance
* Prerequisites: ASC2657 or both of ASC1626 and CHM2627 or BCH2022 or BCH2042
* Prohibitions: BCH3022, BCH3042

Objectives On completion of this subject, students will have an appreciation of the fundamental principles of protein architecture, folding and the structure-function relationship, particularly the control of protein conformation by ligand-binding; an ability to apply these fundamental concepts in understanding the structure and controlled function of the macromolecular assemblies of living cells; understanding of endocrine control of cellular processes; an appreciation of the biochemical perturbations in some important disease states; an ability to plan and execute complex biochemical laboratory procedures with an appropriate degree of competence; basic competence in the safe handling of hazardous biological materials and radioisotopes.

Synopsis This subject begins with a study of protein chemistry, including the principles of folding of polypeptide chains, the notion of ligand-induced conformational changes as a fundamental control mechanism, and catalysis and its control. The dynamic biochemistry of membranes and the biochemistry of the cytoskeleton are then considered, followed by a study of hormonal control of metabolism. The biochemistry of disease is illustrated by a detailed study of diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Laboratory work is designed to introduce modern analytical procedures and to illustrate key concepts 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

Alberts B and others Molecular biology of the cell 3rd edn, Garland, 1994

Recommended reading

Branden C and Tooze J Introduction to protein structure Garland, 1991
Garrett R H and Grisham C M Molecular aspects of cell biology Saunders, 1995
Lindsay D A guide to scientific writing Longman Cheshire, 1984