Entry requirements

Biochemistry MN1, 10 points or equivalent knowledge.

Aims

A deepening of biochemical knowledge with special reference to the molecular mechanisms behind biological processes. Improved insights into the planning of experiments and experimental methodology.

Content

1) Expression of genetic information: Gene structure, exons, introns. Regulation of transcription, operons, induction, repression., transcription factors, protein-DNA interactions. Post-translational modification and intracellular distribution of proteins. 2) Structure and evolution of proteins: Definition of primary-, secondary- and tertiary structure. Quatenary structure, functional domains and multienzyme complexes. Immunoglobulins and immunological analysis. Design of protein functions, catalytic antibodies. 3) Regulation of metabolism at protein level: Metabolic pathways and how to control them. Enzyme kinetics (multisubstrate reactions, pre-steady state) model selection and experimental design. Allosteric enzymes, cooperativity. Protein-ligand and protein-protein interaction. Covalent modification, partial proteolysis. Signal substances, Receptors, signal amplification. Biochemical toxicology. 4) Bioenergetics: Membrane topology and membrane transport, chemiosmotic coupling. Oxidative phosphorylation, electron transport. Photosynthesis, excitation and energy transfer, reaction centre. Mechanisms for carbon dioxide fixation. 5) The use of computers for visualisation and modelling of macromolecules, experimental data analysis and bioinformatics is integrated throughout the course.

Writing of a scientific paper.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory project. An individual oral presentation/lecture is included. Training in oral and written reports.

Assessment

Examination is arranged during and at the end of the course. The laboratory work must also be passed.