This course covers an understanding of the biochemical pathways that are essential for metabolic processes, and extending this to appreciate select biochemical pathways responsible for metabolism in the central nervous system. A two-pronged approach will be applied, studying: (1) structure/function relationships in enzymes; and (2) the creation of biomolecules and their role in metabolism. A complementary goal is to appreciate the importance of mutation in metabolic proteins and their impact on human metabolic disease. The central metabolic roles of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation will be reviewed at the start of this course, building on learning goals in Bio201. Other basic processes that will be discussed include acquisition of energy and elements from the environment, focusing on photosynthesis, and carbon and nitrogen fixation.
- Teacher: Robert Fairman