BC3503: THE MOLECULAR CONTROL OF CELL FUNCTION (2020-2021)

• How enzymes function using selected examples; to include the role played by metal ions and co-enzymes, enzyme kinetics, inhibition of enzyme activity
• The actions of selected enzymes; to include chymotrypsin, aspartate- and metallo- proteases, impact on medicine
• How enzymes are regulated; to include allosteric regulation, covalent modification, isozymes, precursor processing
• The background rational and experimental evidence for the traditional concept of a rate-limiting enzyme in the regulation of flux through metabolic pathways
• The concept of metabolic control analysis to explain how flux through metabolic pathways is regulated; to include the flux control coefficient of each enzyme in a pathway
• The concepts of chemiosmosis and intracellular homeostasis
• The structural and functional features of selected membrane transport proteins
• The mechanisms that regulate body mass and the resultant metabolic diseases that occur when these go awry
• The current status of understanding of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Molecular mechanisms that regulate cell shape and movement; to include cellular cytoskeleton biochemistry
• Selected aspects of cell signalling including the operation of tyrosine kinase receptors, G-proteins, lipid-derivatives and calcium ions as second messengers, cell signalling in the immune system
• The nuclear receptor superfamily and describe the overall mechanism of action of steroid receptors and related non-steroid receptors (thyroid hormone, retinoic acid, vitamin D receptors)
• The tissue specificity of hormone response as regards glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
• The molecules and mechanisms that govern cell-cell adhesion and cell-matrix interactions

Students will also develop practical skills in data interpretation, communication (written and oral) as well as interpersonal and team-working skills. These represent transferable skills that will benefit students across a range of disciplines. The aims of the course will be achieved through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes and a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

More Information about Week Numbers

Essay - 15%

Lab Report- 15%

2 x Tests - 5% each

Exam - 60%

Resit (for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21):  

One essay (15%)
One lab report (15%)
Two tests  (5 % each)
Exam 60%

Resit (for students who took the course in Academic Year 2019/20 and C8 students):

Resit will be offered together with resits for the AY20/21 cohort

There are no assessments for this course.