Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2017 - 2018
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Description To give a basic understanding of the structures, properties and functions of the main types of biological macromolecules: proteins (including enzymes), carbohydrates and lipids. To outline the main pathways of metabolism in the cell: catabolic (breakdown) reactions yielding energy and anabolic (biosynthetic) reactions leading to new structures within the cell. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Recall the basic structures and functions of the main macromolecule classes (carbohydrates, proteins & lipids) 2. Recall the basic principles of cellular energy (i.e. ATP, NAD+) and metabolic pathways 3. Discuss lucidly the structural properties of macromolecules, including the four (4) levels of protein structural organization 4. Discuss macromolecule function and regulation within the context of human health and disease (e.g. hemoglobin versus myoglobin) 5. Outline the basic principles of enzyme catalysis and reaction kinetics 6. Describe in detail a number of pivotal catabolic and anabolic pathways (e.g. glycolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism etc.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities ProteinsIntroduction, amino acid structures and properties, R-groups, ionizations. Protein structural heirarchy, importance of tertiary/ quaternary structures. Introduction to protein sequencing, sequence similarities and phylogenetic relationships. Properties of fibrous proteins, keratins, collagen and elastin. Properties of globular proteins, myoglobin and haemoglobin. Molecular basis of sickle cell anaemia.CarbohydratesMonosaccharides, disaccharides, homo- and hetero-polymers. Oligosaccharides as cellular markers, antigens, lectins. Glycoproteins.LipidsFatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, steroids, cholesterol. Plasma lipoproteins, role in disease.EnzymesFunction and measurement of activity, kinetics and plots, multi-substrate reactions. Serine and metallo proteases, active sites and reaction mechanisms. Enzyme inhibition in vitro, regulation of enzyme activity in vivo. Enzymes as analytical tools.MetabolismIntroduction, bioenergetics, structure and function of ATP and NADPH/ NADH. Glycolysis: preparatory, energy-yielding and regulatory reactions and enzymes. Citric acid (TCA) cycle: overview, complete reactions and regulation; pentose phosphate pathway. Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Fatty acid catabolism, transport, oxidation reactions and regulation. Oxidation, fates and biosynthesis of fatty acids. Amino acid metabolism, fates of R- and amino groups; the urea cycle. Reactions and regulation of gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis. Lipid biosynthesis, fatty acid synthase complex, regulation. Amino acid biosynthesis and regulation, nitrogen balance and protein turnover. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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