Module Code - Title:
BC4904
-
PROTEINS AND DNA
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
BC4903
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To develop themes in protein chemistry and enzymology. To develop a fundamental understanding of enzyme kinetics, catalysis and purification. To understand the relationship between nucleic acids and proteins leading to gene structure and expression. To back these concepts up with practical skills.
Syllabus:
The structure of DNA and other nucleic acids. The molecular concept of a gene. DNA sequencing. The central dogma - DNA makes RNA makes Protein. Processing of DNA -Replication, transcription and translation. The relationship between DNA and Protein û the genetic code. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Control sites and elements within DNA. Gene expression û the lac operon. Review of Protein structure, amino acids peptides primary, secondary and tertiary structure of proteins. 3D structures and their representation. Functionality of proteins, Strategies of protein purification and assay. Protein sequencing and analysis. Enzymology, the nature of enzymes, their classification and activities. Enzyme kinetics and catalysis, enzyme inhibitors. Mode of action of enzymes -lysozyme on peptidoglycan.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1) Describe the structure and function of DNA and Protein.
2) Explain the relationship between DNA and Protein.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of the central dogma, DNA makes RNA makes protein.
4) Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanism of action of an enzyme and measure an enzyme activity.
5) Demonstrate an understanding of protein post-translational modification in the context of protein structure, activity and cell signaling.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Recognise the monomeric components of DNA and RNA (Amino acids and nucleotides respectively).
2. Identify control sites in DNA and understand how they operate with respect to replication, transcription and translation.
3. Justify usage of such techniques.
4. Structure and implementation of scientific report writing.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Interpret a DNA sequence and predict its encoded protein sequence - the application of the central dogma.
2. Perform protein purification and demonstrate purity, measure protein activity, understand the techniques used, and apply this knowledge to design a protein purification strategy.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught from a theoretical perspective with formal lectures and laboratory sessions. The theoretical content will support later modules in genetic engineering and advanced biochemistry and will thus form part of a stream within biochemistry which lays an important foundation in DNA and protein biochemistry.The laboratory component will develop key skills in practical biochemistry which reinforce the lecture content. Practicals will be undertaken in protein purification and analysis, sequencing of DNA and protein, 3D display of proteins, methods of enzyme assay, examination of enzyme kinetics and crystallisation for examination of 3D structure.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Voet, D, and Voet, J G and Pratt C (2018)
Fundamentals of Biochemistry, 5th Edition
, Wiley International
Nelson DL and Cox MM (2017)
Principles of Biochemistry (7th Ed)
, Freeman
Other Relevant Texts:
Alberts B. (2015)
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition
, Garland Science
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSINBIUFA - INDUSTRIAL BIOCHEMISTRY
BSBIOSUFA - BIOSCIENCE
BSFSHEUFA - FOOD SCIENCE AND HEALTH
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
michael.p.ryan@ul.ie