Biochemistry and Cell Biology in Ecology and Evolution

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Biochemistry and Cell Biology in Ecology and Evolution
Leerdoelen	At the end of the course, the student is able to: 1) explain the basic principles of cell chemistry (thermodynamics, acid/base reactions, redox reactions, covalent and non- covalent interactions); recognise essential chemical components of the living cell and explain their role in cellular metabolism. 2) explain the general processes utilised by cells to generate and convert energy (aerobic/anaerobic respiration, photosynthesis, glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, electron transport chain, calvin cycle). 3) explain the basic principles of protein structure, function and evolution, in particular concerning the oxygen-transport proteins myoglobin and haemoglobin 4) explain the basic principles of enzyme catalysis 5) explain the basic principles of enzyme kinetics (Michaelis-Menten, Km, Vmax, kcat, catalytic efficiency, competitive/non-competitive inhibition) 6) perform basic calculations related to thermodynamics and enzyme kinetics 7) explain the basic principles of membranes and proteins associated with membrane transport of small molecules. 8) describe the structure and function of mitochondria and chloroplasts in energy metabolism 9) describe and explain the basic principles of ecological stoichiometry.
Omschrijving	The course ‘Biochemistry and Cell Biology in Ecology and Evolution’ explores essential concepts in biology related to the molecular processes in cells that determine how organisms can live and how they interact with and adapt to their environment. It builds on the knowledge taught in the course ‘Basic Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics’. Topics which will be discussed include the basic chemistry and molecules of cells, energy generation and transformation in cells (photosynthesis, cellular respiration, glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, biosynthesis, ATP synthesis and hydrolysis, co-enzymes), structure and function of proteins, enzyme kinetics, membrane structure and membrane transport. A special lecture will be given on ecological stoichiometry, a research field which focuses on the effects of balance of energy and elements on organisms and their interactions in ecosystems. The general structure of the course will be lectures, study groups, a computer assignment and online self-assessment tests. The topics will be presented and discussed in interactive lectures. Study groups will consist of problem solving sessions and discussion sessions in which relevant examples and case studies will be examined. The computer assignment will address basic principles related to the structure and function of myoglobin and haemoglobin. Compulsory self-assessment tests with questions and exercises will be used to check knowledge and practise for the exam. The final grade will be based on a written exam with open questions.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM), Werkcollege (T) (Lectures 20 hrs, tutorials 12 hrs, assignments 8 hrs, self study 100 hrs)
Toetsvorm	Schriftelijk tentamen (WE) (The exam grade should be 5.5 or higher.)
Vaksoort	propedeuse
Coördinator	dr. A.M.W.H. Thunnissen
Docent(en)	prof. dr. J.T.M. Elzenga ,dr. A.M.W.H. Thunnissen
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition Alberts, B. et al. 9780815344643 €  95,00
Entreevoorwaarden	PLEASE NOTE Biology and Life Science & Technology (old curriculum) course units are only accessible for students of those degree programmes. Students from other degree programmes who would like to participate in Biology course units are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before registration. After this contact, students have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this procedure results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification. Prior knowledge: Basic Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology.
Opmerkingen	Preparation for: Biochemistry-related courses in the bachelor programme Biology, major Ecology and Evolution. Dit vak had vorig jaar vakcode WPLS18003
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type BSc Biology - Year 1 1 semester II a verplicht EE BSc Biology: major Ecology and Evolution 1 semester II a verplicht BSc Biology: major Integrative Biology  (Semester 2, EE route) 1 semester II a verplicht