Survey of the Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Metabolism Section
Metabolism is the process by which life obtains chemical energy; converts nutrients into building blocks (amino acids, nucleotides and carbohydrates); forms macromolecules from those building blocks; and synthesizes specialized biomolecules, such as lipids, chromaphores and signaling molecules. Thousands of carefully coordinated chemical reactions comprise a web-like network of pathways, which define life as we know it. These interconnected networks are, therefore, responsible for many types of disease when they malfunction. Knowledge of these pathways is important to understanding human health not only from the standpoint of metabolic and catabolic disorders but also in terms of the metabolism of pharmaceutical and drug compounds. We will cover these biochemical pathways in detail. Initially, we will obtain a basic knowledge of bioenergetics and redox reactions. These concepts will form the basic set of tools we use to engage with the remainder of the course. Then for the first half, we will cover catabolic process through which metabolites are converted to energy and smaller waste products; the principle pathway involves the breakdown of glucose, beginning with glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation; but also amino acid and fatty acid catabolism will be discussed. For the latter half, we will cover anabolic processes through which metabolites, biomolecules and precursor building blocks are synthesized, beginning with photosynthesis (the process through which light energy is captured, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose) and then finishing with lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide biosynthesis.
Regular Meeting Time/Place: MWF at 11-12 pm / 155 Dwinelle
Office Hours: TT 3-4 pm / 476 Stanley (Try also 492 Stanley if I am not in 476.)
Lecture notes both unfilled and filled-out will be placed here. I will get the unfilled notes here the night before so that you may print them out to write into during lecture.
Lecture 1: Bioenergetics & Metabolism [Lecture 1 Filled]
Lecture 2: Glycolysis Part 1 [Lecture 2 Filled]
Lecture 3: Glycolysis Part 2 [Lecture 3 Filled]
Lecture 4: Feeder Pathways & Gluconeogenesis Lecture 4 Filled]
Lecture 5: Pentose Phosphate Pathway [Lecture 5 Filled]
Lecture 6: Glycogen Metabolism [Lecture 6 Filled]
Lecture 7: Metabolic Regulation [Lecture 7 Filled]
Lecture 8: Citric Acid Cycle [Lecture 8 Filled]
Lecture 9: Citric Acid Cycle/Fatty Acid Catabolism [Lecture 9 Filled]
Lecture 10: Amino Acid Degradation [Lecture 10 Filled]
Lecture 11: Oxidative-Phosphorylation [Lecture 11 Filled]
Lecture 12: Oxidative-Phosphorylation Part 2 [Lecture 12 Filled]
Lecture 13: Fatty Acid & Cholesterol Biosynthesis [Lecture 13 Filled]
Lecture 14: Fatty Acid & Cholesterol Biosynthesis & Regulation [Lecture 14 Filled]
About three or four problem sets and answer keys will be posted here during the course.
Aldolase Mechanism: water release of Schiff base adduct of DHAP
Urea Cycle: ATP Counting with and without Asparatate-Argininosuccinate Shunt
Course policies regarding testing and the final. Also a past Metabolism Exam may be posted here.