Lecture

Lecture - 05 Protein Structure III

Protein Structure III focuses on the functional implications of protein structure. Students will learn about:

  • Enzyme active sites and catalytic mechanisms
  • Allosteric regulation and cooperativity
  • Post-translational modifications and their effects on protein function

This module emphasizes the relationship between structure and biological activity, enhancing comprehension of protein dynamics.


Course Lectures
  • Lecture - 1 Amino Acids I
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Amino Acids I introduces the fundamental building blocks of proteins. Students will explore the structure, classification, and properties of amino acids. The following topics will be covered:

    • Definition and structure of amino acids
    • Essential vs non-essential amino acids
    • Peptide bonds and protein synthesis
    • Acid-base properties of amino acids

    This module sets the groundwork for understanding more complex biochemical topics.

  • Lecture - 2 Amino Acids II
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Amino Acids II continues the exploration of amino acids, focusing on their role in protein structure and function. Key areas of study include:

    • The role of amino acids in enzyme activity
    • Side chain interactions and their significance
    • Amino acid metabolism and its biochemical pathways

    Students will apply their knowledge to understand how changes in amino acid composition affect proteins.

  • Protein Structure - I introduces the four levels of protein structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. The module covers:

    • Peptide bond formation and characteristics
    • Alpha-helices and beta-sheets as secondary structures
    • Factors influencing tertiary structure

    Students will engage in discussions and practical examples to understand how these structures are important for protein functionality.

  • Protein Structure II builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in the previous module, examining advanced topics such as:

    • Protein folding and misfolding
    • Chaperones and their role in protein assembly
    • Structural techniques for protein analysis (e.g., X-ray crystallography)

    This module aims to provide students with insights into how structural biology informs our understanding of disease.

  • Protein Structure III focuses on the functional implications of protein structure. Students will learn about:

    • Enzyme active sites and catalytic mechanisms
    • Allosteric regulation and cooperativity
    • Post-translational modifications and their effects on protein function

    This module emphasizes the relationship between structure and biological activity, enhancing comprehension of protein dynamics.

  • Protein Structure IV will further delve into the complexities of protein interactions and networks. Key topics include:

    • Protein-protein interactions and their biological significance
    • Techniques for studying protein interactions
    • Case studies on protein complexes in cellular processes

    Students will understand the importance of protein interactions in metabolic pathways and signaling.

  • Lecture - 7 Enzymes I
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Enzymes I introduces enzyme kinetics and the principles governing enzyme function. Key topics include:

    • Enzyme structure and function
    • Mechanisms of enzyme action
    • Factors affecting enzyme kinetics (temperature, pH, substrate concentration)

    Students will learn to interpret kinetic data and apply this knowledge to enzyme-related problems.

  • Lecture - 8 Enzymes 2
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Enzymes II continues the exploration of enzyme mechanisms, focusing on various types of catalysis and enzyme regulation. Topics include:

    • Catalytic mechanisms: acid-base, covalent, and metal ion catalysis
    • Enzyme inhibition: competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive inhibition
    • Regulatory enzymes and their role in metabolic pathways

    This module is designed to deepen students' understanding of how enzymes can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes.

  • Lecture - 9 Enzymes III
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Enzymes III provides a comprehensive overview of the regulation of enzyme activity. Key topics include:

    • Feedback inhibition and its significance in metabolic pathways
    • Allosteric enzymes and cooperative binding
    • Enzyme assays and determining enzyme activity

    Students will apply various techniques to measure and analyze enzyme activity in laboratory settings.

  • Enzyme Mechanisms I introduces the various mechanistic pathways by which enzymes catalyze reactions. Topics include:

    • General concepts of enzyme catalysis
    • Mechanistic analysis of specific enzymes
    • Importance of transition state theory

    This foundational knowledge enables students to predict enzyme behavior in different biochemical contexts.

  • Enzyme Mechanisms II continues the exploration of enzyme mechanisms, focusing on more complex reaction pathways. Key topics include:

    • Catalytic strategies of different enzyme classes
    • Enzyme specificity and selectivity
    • Case studies of enzymatic reactions in metabolism

    This module emphasizes understanding how enzyme mechanisms relate to their biological roles and applications.

  • Myoglobin and Hemoglobin focuses on oxygen-binding proteins and their physiological roles. Key areas of study include:

    • Structure and function of myoglobin and hemoglobin
    • Oxygen transport and storage mechanisms
    • Factors affecting oxygen binding and release

    Students will learn the significance of these proteins in respiratory physiology and their role in oxygen delivery.

  • Lipids and Membranes I provides an introduction to the diverse group of lipids and their essential roles in biological membranes. Topics include:

    • Classification and structure of lipids
    • Phospholipid bilayers and membrane fluidity
    • Functions of membrane proteins and carbohydrates

    This foundational knowledge is key to understanding cell membranes and their dynamics.

  • Lipids and Membranes II continues the exploration of membrane structures, focusing on more complex lipid types and their functionalities. Key topics include:

    • Complex lipids: sphingolipids, glycosphingolipids, and sterols
    • Membrane asymmetry and its significance
    • Membrane transport mechanisms, including diffusion and active transport

    Students will analyze the implications of lipid diversity on membrane properties and cell signaling.

  • Membrane Transport focuses on the mechanisms by which substances move across biological membranes. Key topics include:

    • Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis
    • Active transport and the role of ATP
    • Transport proteins: channels, carriers, and pumps

    This module provides insights into how cells maintain homeostasis and facilitate communication through membrane transport.

  • Lecture - 16 Carbohydrates I
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Carbohydrates I introduces the structure and function of carbohydrates, essential biomolecules in biology. Key topics include:

    • Monosaccharides and their classifications
    • Disaccharides and oligosaccharides
    • Polysaccharides and their biological roles

    This foundational module sets the stage for understanding carbohydrate metabolism and interactions.

  • Lecture - 17 Carbohydrates II
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Carbohydrates II continues the study of carbohydrates, focusing on their metabolism and biological significance. Key areas include:

    • Glycogen and starch as energy storage molecules
    • Carbohydrate metabolism pathways
    • Role of carbohydrates in cell signaling and recognition

    Students will analyze how carbohydrates contribute to energy homeostasis and cellular communication.

  • Vitamins and Coenzymes I provides an overview of essential vitamins and their coenzymatic roles in biochemistry. Key topics include:

    • Classification of vitamins: water-soluble vs fat-soluble
    • Functions of major vitamins in metabolic pathways
    • Role of coenzymes in enzyme-catalyzed reactions

    This module highlights the importance of vitamins for health and their biochemical significance.

  • Vitamins and Coenzymes II continues the exploration of vitamins, focusing on specific vitamins and their unique coenzymatic activities. Key topics include:

    • Vitamin B complex: roles and deficiencies
    • Vitamin C and its antioxidant functions
    • Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K and their biochemical functions

    Students will analyze the impact of vitamin deficiencies on health and disease.

  • Lecture - 20 Nucleic Acids 1
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Nucleic Acids I introduces the structure and function of DNA and RNA, essential molecules for genetic information. Topics include:

    • Composition and structure of nucleotides
    • Double helix structure of DNA
    • RNA types and their functions in protein synthesis

    This module lays the groundwork for understanding genetic information flow.

  • Lecture - 21 Nucleic Acids II
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Nucleic Acids II continues the discussion of nucleic acids, focusing on replication, transcription, and translation. Key topics include:

    • DNA replication mechanisms
    • Transcription processes and RNA synthesis
    • Translation and protein synthesis from mRNA

    Students will gain insights into the central dogma of molecular biology and its significance in genetics.

  • Lecture - 22 Nucleic Acids III
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Nucleic Acids III explores advanced topics related to nucleic acids, including genetic regulation and biotechnology. Key areas of study include:

    • Regulatory sequences in DNA
    • RNA interference and gene silencing
    • Biotechnological applications of nucleic acids

    This module highlights the importance of nucleic acids in modern research and medicine.

  • Lecture - 23 Bioenergetics 1
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    This module introduces the principles of bioenergetics, focusing on the concept of energy transformations in biological systems. Students will explore:

    • The laws of thermodynamics as they apply to living organisms.
    • How energy is stored and utilized in biochemical reactions.
    • The role of ATP and other high-energy molecules in metabolic pathways.
    • Key concepts such as enthalpy, entropy, and free energy.

    Understanding these principles is essential for comprehending how cells harness energy for various functions.

  • Lecture - 24 Bioenergetics II
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    Building on the previous lecture, this module delves deeper into bioenergetics, emphasizing metabolic pathways. Topics include:

    • The electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
    • Substrate-level phosphorylation and its significance.
    • Regulation of energy production and its impact on cellular functions.

    Students will gain insights into how cells manage energy efficiently and respond to varying energy demands.

  • Lecture - 25 Metabolism I
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    This module introduces the fundamentals of metabolism, focusing on catabolic and anabolic pathways. Key learning points include:

    • The distinction between catabolism and anabolism.
    • The role of enzymes in metabolic reactions.
    • Important metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

    Students will understand how these pathways interconnect and contribute to cellular energy balance.

  • Lecture - 26 Metabolism II
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    This module continues the exploration of metabolism, focusing on more complex biochemical pathways. Students will examine:

    • Regulation of metabolic pathways and the role of feedback inhibition.
    • Integration of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism.
    • Hormonal control of metabolism and its physiological implications.

    Understanding these interactions is crucial for grasping how the body maintains homeostasis.

  • Lecture - 27 Metabolism III
    Prof. S. Dasgupta

    This module examines the final aspects of metabolism, focusing on specialized pathways and their biochemical significance. Topics include:

    • Energy production from fats and proteins.
    • Detoxification pathways and their relevance to health.
    • Metabolic disorders and their biochemical basis.

    Students will learn about the clinical implications of metabolic pathways and the importance of maintaining metabolic health.

  • The final module provides a comprehensive overview of the course, summarizing key concepts covered in previous lectures. Students will:

    • Review critical topics in biochemistry including amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
    • Understand the integration of various biochemical pathways.
    • Discuss the importance of biochemical research and future directions in the field.

    This wrap-up session aims to reinforce understanding and encourage further exploration in biochemistry.