UNIT CODE/ TITLE
SBC 229: BASIC BIOCHEMISTRY
PREREQUISITE
None
OBJECTIVES
To familiarize students with key metabolic and cellular processes that form the basis of advanced
biochemistry and cell biology.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, learners should be able to;
a) Describe and explain core concepts of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, ATP synthesis, and more.
b) Evaluate and interpret experimental data related to bioenergetics, enzyme kinetics, and
molecular transport.
c) Understand and illustrate the structure and function relationships in amino acids, proteins, and
nucleic acids.
d) Demonstrate proficiency in standard laboratory techniques related to protein purification,
enzyme kinetics assays, and ion transport measurements.
COURSE CONTENT (Existing)
Catalysis and enzyme kinetics. Glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. ATP synthesis and membrane bound
electron transfer in mitochondria. Bioenergetics. Amino acids, the fundamentals of protein structure,
isolation and purification of proteins, modification of proteins, and methods of determining protein
conformation.. Ion transport and other transport proteins. Molecular motors, such as muscles, which
consume metabolic energy. Chloroplasts in plants and algae.
TEACHING ORGANISATION
Lecture - 35 hours per semester
Laboratory practical - 15 hours per semester
Group discussion
Assignment
MODE OF DELIVERY
Face to face full time
ASSESSMENT
Continuous assessment test - 30%
End of semester examination - 70%
REFERENCES
a) Berg J.M., Tymoczko J.L., Gatto G.J. and Stryer L. (2015). Biochemistry, 8th Edition, W.H. Freeman
and Company. New York.
b) Nelson D.L. and Cox M.M. (2013). Lehniger’s Principles of Biochemistry, 6th edition, Macmillan
Higher Education, Worth Pub Inc., New York.
c) Rodwell V., Bender D., Botham K.M., Kennelly P.J. and Weil P.A. (2015). Harper’s Illustrated
Biochemistry, 30th Edition. Mc Graw-Hill Education, New York.
d) Voet D., Voet J.G. and Pratt C.W. (2011). Fundamentals of Biochemistry, 4th Edition, Aptara Inc.,
New York.
e) Laboratory Manual.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
WEEKS TOPIC READING MATERIALS
Week 1 Enzyme Dynamics: Catalysis & Kinetics Recommended Readings:
Course Description: A deep dive into the "Enzyme Kinetics:
dynamic world of enzymes, understanding their Principles and Methods" by
role in catalysis and the principles governing Bisswanger.
their kinetics.
Key Topics Covered:
Enzyme classification
Mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis
Michaelis-Menten kinetics
Factors influencing enzyme activity
Week 2 & 3 1. Glycolysis and the Citric Acid Cycle Recommended Readings:
Course Description: This course provides "Biochemistry" by Berg,
students with a comprehensive understanding Tymoczko, and Gatto.
of glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, the
foundational pathways central to energy
metabolism in cells.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction to glycolysis and its
regulation
The citric acid cycle: stages and
regulation
Significance in cellular metabolism
Week 4 ATP Synthesis & Mitochondrial Electron Recommended Readings:
Transfer: Bioenergetics "Molecular Cell Biology" by
Course Description: The course will delve Lodish et al.
deep into the mitochondrial processes
responsible for ATP synthesis, emphasizing the
role of electron transfer in bioenergetics.
Key Topics Covered:
Mitochondrial structure and its
significance
Electron transfer chains and oxidative
phosphorylation
ATP synthesis mechanisms
Week 5 CAT I
Week 6 & 7 Amino Acids: Structure & Classification Recommended Readings:
Course Description: This course presents an "Principles of Biochemistry"
exhaustive exploration into the world of amino by Lehninger.
acids, detailing their structure, stereochemistry,
and classification.
Key Topics Covered:
Basic structure of amino acids
Stereochemistry and isomerism
Classification and biological
significance
Week 8 Protein Chemistry: Structure to Recommended Readings:
Conformation "Introduction to Protein
Course Description: From understanding Structure" by Branden and
basic protein structures to intricate methods of Tooze.
protein conformation determination, this
course offers an all-encompassing view on
protein chemistry.
Key Topics Covered:
Levels of protein structure
Techniques for protein isolation and
purification
Post-translational modifications
Methods for determining protein
conformation
Week 9 Ion and Molecular Transport Proteins Recommended Readings:
Course Description: This course elucidates "Molecular Biology of the
the mechanisms by which ions and other Cell" by Alberts et al.
molecules traverse the cell membrane,
emphasizing transport protein structures and
functions.
Key Topics Covered:
Passive and active transport
Channel and carrier proteins
Pumps and their role in maintaining
cellular homeostasis
Week 10 Molecular Motors and Energy Recommended Readings:
Consumption "Molecular Motors:
Course Description: Students will explore the Methods and Protocols" by
intricate mechanisms of molecular motors like Spudich.
muscles and how they utilize metabolic energy
for function.
Key Topics Covered:
Muscle contraction mechanisms
ATP's role in muscle movement
Dyneins, kinesins, and their roles in
cellular transport
Week 11 Chloroplasts: The Green Factories Recommended Readings:
Course Description: The course offers an "Plant Physiology and
exploration into chloroplasts, their structures, Development" by Taiz et al.
and their significance in photosynthesis in
plants and algae.
Key Topics Covered:
Chloroplast structure and function
Photosynthetic pigments and light
absorption
The Calvin cycle and its significance
Week 12 CAT 2
Week 13 EXAMINATION
Week 14 EXAMINATION
