BIOCHEMISTRY II (CHM-321)

Spring Semester, 1998

3 Semester Hours

Instructor: Len Holmes

Times To be announced. At the first class meeting, we will determine a time period that satisfies all students. Our goal is to serve students better by avoiding scheduling conflicts. Please see Len Holmes with any questions that you may have.

Text: Biochemistry by Voet & Voet (1995) and selected outside readings.

Course Contents As an integral part of the Chemistry, Molecular Biotechnology program, Biochemistry II provides a continuation and more thorough treatment of biochemical principles considered in Biochemistry I The course content will be in four major areas:

1. Mechanisms of enzyme catalyzed reactions. The nature of biological catalysis will be considered by discussing the underlying principles of chemical catalysis followed by a detailed examination of catalytic mechanisms of several of the best characterized enzymes.

2. Principles of bioenergetics and metabolism. Designed to augment metabolic studies in Biochemistry I, this portion of the course will provide a more comprehensive and detailed overview of metabolic coordination, metabolic control and signal transduction. The dynamics of energy, biosynthesis, and the utilization of precursors relating to carbohydrate, lipid, nitrogenous compounds and nucleotide metabolism will be examined.

3. Biological membranes and transport. The compositions and structures of biological membranes and related substances will be examined to learn about controlling the flux of nutrients, waste products and ions into and out of the cell.

4. Regulation of gene expression. Control of transcription in prokaryotes is examined. Discussion of eukaryote control will be considered as a part of the study of the structure and organization of the eukaryote chromosome.

Evaluation: There will be no written examinations in this course. A report on a selected topic from each of the above areas will be required. In addition, each student will be expected to lead the class discussion one time in each of the areas.