NPLK19004U Enzymology and Experimental Biochemistry

Volume 2019/2020
Education

MSc Programme in Biology-Biotechnology
BSc Programme in Chemistry

Content

The course comprises the theoretical and experimental work on enzymes, proteins and peptides in biological matrices. Focus is placed on experimental and theoretical understanding of the relations between structure and properties of the molecules. Topics includes are:

* Extraction techniques
* Chromatographic systems
* Solvent and buffer relations

where effects of ions, organic molecules, and surfactants play a significant role.

The combinations of such knowledge give the students basis for understanding and development of a relevant strategy of methods as used in analytical biochemistry. The students will in selected projects work with both traditional and new actual /advanced biochemical methods and techniques.
Strategies to efficient isolation, purification and characterisation of biomolecules, bioactive proteins, peptides, and enzymes from complex biological systems

Determination of kinetic parameters, Vmax, KM and kcat, and interpretation of such data in relation to ideal catalytic effects

Thermodynamics and kinetics in enzymology and biochemical analyses

Binding between molecules in equilibrium reactions and thermodynamic stable complexes

Receptor and effector sites, positive (activators) and negative effectors (inhibitors) and their effects on the active sites

Native enzymes: holoenzymes, apoenzymes, co-factors, activation energy and kinetics

Design and use of enzymatic assays

A project with individual final reporting is a part of the course where the students in a group of 2-4 persons perform purification of a selected enzyme or inhibitor.

Learning Outcome

The course provides a thorough and fundamental theoretical and practical basis for knowledge to and work with biomolecules, especially bioactive proteins, peptides, and enzymes occurring in complex biological matrices, plant, animal and microbial based feed and food. Focus is placed on the relations between structure and properties of biomolecules, strategies in use of actual new and traditional biochemical methods and understanding of the descriptions in original scientific papers.

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge

  • Understand physico-chemical-biochemical properties of biomolcules and especially enzymes.
  • Describe strategies to efficient isolation and purification of enzymes from complex biological systems
  • Describe analytical techniques used in biochemistry and for enzyme characterisation.
  • Understand the theoretical basis for changes of water as solvent, extraction and chromatographic systems in work with molecules of different polarity.


Skills

  • Evaluate the detection, quantification and linearity of experimental data in relation to published values (literature data).
  • Design experimental stategies in analytical biochemistry and enzymology based on structure and properties of analytes in complex matrix systems.
  • Apply theoretical principles of analytical biochemistry to carry out experimental isolation and purification of enzymes
  • Evaluate the performance of applied techniques in an enzyme related project carried out in a group (preferably 2-4 persons).



Competences

  • Cooperate with a fellow student on laboratory reports and a project report
  • Expand the knowledge to biochemistry by use of mathematics evaluations
  • Utilise the obtained knowledge in more comprehensive projects within research, development or industry.
Literature

See Absalon for a list of course literature

Competences within basic organic chemistry and basic biochemistry are recommended.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures and theoretical exercises: lectures will be used to present the theoretical background for the subjects considered with at least 3 hours per week. The lectures will be followed by theoretical exercises (1 h per week) where the students in groups of 2-4 will work on answers of specific questions related to the theory and practical use of methods and technology. Laboratory work with knowledge to theory and practical use of the various instruments and biochemical methods are central parts of the course. The students will be in groups of 2-4 and spend about 9 hours per week with this part of the course. Four weeks will be devoted to the project focused on studies of a selected enzyme or inhibitor molecule. The combined theoretical and practical laboratory experiments with focus on strategies of methods in analytical biochemistry and enzymology will train the students in calculations on the produced data.
This course is identical to LKEK10081U Enzymology and Experimental Biochemistry.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Lectures
  • 24
  • Practical exercises
  • 64
  • Preparation
  • 109
  • Theory exercises
  • 8
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Individual
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 min
Evaluation of project report supplemented with individual oral presentation and examination in curriculum (no preparation time).

Weight: Oral presentation of project report and subsequent examination in the report and curriculum are 100% of the final grade.
Exam registration requirements

Submission and approval of at least 75% of reports of performed experiments. Submission of individual project report.

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam.

If the exam registration requirements have not been met, reports of performed experiments and individuel project report must be submitted and approved no later than three weeks before the re-exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome