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Metabolism

Module description

Life is dependent on energy generation and controlled synthesis of building blocks (proteins, lipid, polysaccharides and nucleic acids) needed to make cells: this is metabolism. This module will explore the critical principles that underpin metabolism in all organisms: these include the action and control of enzymes and the co-ordination of enzymes into controlled metabolic pathways.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Metabolism is the complex network of reactions that generate energy and synthesise cellular components.  In this module an interdisciplinary approach will be used to provide an understanding of the key chemical compounds in metabolism, how enzymes interconvert cellular chemicals, how metabolic pathways are investigated and regulated, and how metabolic engineering can generate compounds of interest.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe and evaluate the methods used in studying metabolic pathways and the enzymes and cofactors involved
• 2. Discuss how flux though metabolic pathways is controlled
• 3. Illustrate the structure, function and chemical reactivity of important biomolecules
• 4. Discuss the mechanisms used to study enzymes, and the mechanisms enzymes use to drive reactions
• 5. Outline why cells need to regulate their metabolism

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Describe and evaluate approaches to our understanding of biochemistry and biological chemistry with reference to primary literature, reviews and research articles
• 7. Describe in some detail essential facts and theory across a subdiscipline of the biosciences
• 8. Identify critical questions from the literature and synthesise research-informed examples from the literature into written work
• 9. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation, and enquiry within the biosciences

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 10. Communicate ideas, principles and theories fluently by written means in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
• 11. Develop, with some guidance, a logical and reasoned argument with valid conclusions
• 12. Collect and interpret appropriate data, drawing on a range of sources, with limited guidance

Syllabus plan

General introduction to the key chemical compounds used in metabolism. The interaction of functional groups to produce molecules with unusual reactivity is exemplified by the lipids (self-assembly and cell membrane structure and reactivity) and fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation metabolic pathways are discussed. Methods used to investigate metabolic pathways (isotope labelling and genomics). The mechanisms that control flux through metabolic pathways (e.g. feedback inhibition, transcriptional control, post translational modifications). The methods used to study enzymes and their reactions. The mechanisms by which enzymes and cofactors work together to catalyse reactions in cells. Metabolic engineering: the regulation of metabolism in micro-organisms and plants. Nitrogen metabolism and anaerobic metabolism will be discussed.

Accessibility statement: As part of this course, you will undertake two laboratory sessions in GP101/GP108 each of which is 5 hours duration. One session involves handling bacteria. These sessions will be undertaken in groups and have been designed to allow for each member of the group to take an extended (30 minute) break for lunch. There is also a four hour group data handling session. The sessions can accommodate students who require more frequent breaks for health reasons. Please contact the module coordinator if you require any particular support.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Berg JM & Tymoczko JL (2019) Biochemistry, 9th Ed., Freeman, ISBN 1319114679
• Garrett RH and Grisham CM (2017) Biochemistry, 7th Ed., Brooks and Cole, ISBN  0357728459Ramesh V. (editor) (2019) Biomolecular and Bioanalytical Techniques: Theory, Methodology and Applications, Wiley ISBN 978-1-119-48396-0.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page:  https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10205 (Journal reviews and book chapters made available via ELE)

Key words search

Protein, enzyme, catalysis, mechanism, pathway, negative feedback, energy, oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism, membrane, biochemistry