ZH Core-VII: Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Course Learning Objective:

Biochemistry is to understand the core biological phenomena at the molecular level. The aim
of the course is to comprehend the fundamental principles of chemistry that govern complex
biological systems.The program is designed to enable a student acquire sound knowledge of
biochemistry and its practicable applicability. To make the study relevant, interesting,
encouraging to the students to join the industry or to prepare them for higher studies including
research. The new and updated syllabus is based on a basic and applied approach to ensure
that students develop problem solving skills, laboratory skills, chemistry communication
skills, team skills as well as ethics.

Course Learning Outcome:

• Upon completion of the course, students should be able to: Gain knowledge and skill in
the fundamentals of biochemical sciences, interactions and interdependence of
physiological and biochemical processes.
• Get exposed to various processes used in industries and gain skills in techniques of
chromatography and spectroscopy.
• Demonstrate foundation knowledge in biochemistry; synthesis of proteins, lipids, nucleic
acids, and carbohydrates; and their role in metabolic pathways along with their regulation.
• Know about classical laboratory techniques, use modern instrumentation, design and
conduct scientific experiments, and analyze the resulting data.
• Be knowledgeable in proper procedures and regulations in handling and disposal of
chemicals.

Course Content:
Theory [Credits: 4] 60 hrs
Unit 1: Carbohydrates 8 hrs
Structure and Biological importance: with emphasis on aldose, ketose, chiral centre, polarised
light and Fischer nomenclature, Cyclization reaction of glucose, anomers, pyranose, furanose,
glycosidic linkage;Reducing and non-reducing sugars: monosaccharides, disaccharides,
polysaccharides and Glycoconjugates
(Chapter 7: Cox, M.M and Nelson, D.L.; Chapter 11: Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. and Stryer,
L.).

Unit 2: Lipids 8hrs

Structure and Significance: Physiologically important saturated and unsaturated fatty acids,
Tri-acylglycerols, Phospholipids, Glycolipids, Steroids
(Chapter 10: Cox, M.M and Nelson, D.L.; Chapter 12: Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. and Stryer,
L.).

Unit 3: Proteins 14 hrs

Amino acids: Structure, Classification and General properties of -aminoacids; Physiological
importance of essential and non-essential -amino acids; Proteins: Bonds stabilizing protein
structure; Levels of organization in proteinmotifs, folds anddomains; Denaturation;
Introduction to simple and conjugate proteins. Immunoglobulins: Basic Structure,
(Chapter 4 and 5: Cox, M.M and Nelson, D.L.; Chapter 3: Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. and
Stryer, L.)
Unit 4: Nucleic Acids 12hrs
Structure: Purines and pyrimidines, Nucleosides, Nucleotides, Nucleic acids; Cot Curves:
Base pairing, Denaturation and Renaturation of DNA; Types of DNA and RNA,
Complementarity of DNA, Hypo-Hyperchromicity of DNA
(Chapter 8: Cox, M.M and Nelson, D.L.; Chapter 5: Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. and Stryer,
L.)

Unit 5: Enzymes 18 hrs

Nomenclature and classification; Cofactors; Specificity of enzyme action;Isozymes;
Mechanism of enzyme action; Enzyme kinetics; Factors affectingrate of enzyme-catalyzed
reactions; Derivation of Michaelis-Menten equation,Concept of Km and Vmax, Lineweaver-
Burk plot; Multi-substrate reactions;Enzyme inhibition; Allosteric enzymes and their kinetics;
Regulation of enzyme reaction
(Chapter 6: Cox, M.M and Nelson, D.L.; Chapter 8: Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. and Stryer,
L.)

Practical [Credits: 2]
1. To understand the preparation and roles of two important biological buffer systems:
phosphate and bicarbonate; Preparation of buffers and determination of pH
2. Qualitative tests of functional groups in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
3. Quantitative Tests: Determination of Ascorbic acid – DCPIP method OR Estimation of
Calcium–Titrimetric method.
4. Paper chromatography of amino acids.
5. Action of salivary amylase under optimum conditions.
6. Effect of pH, temperature and inhibitors on the action of salivary amylase.
7. Demonstration of proteins separation by SDS-PAGE.

Teaching and Learning Process:

At the end of the IV Semester, the UG student is expected to demonstrate clear understanding
of general concepts and fundamental biochemical principles; such as structure/function of
biomolecules metabolic pathways, regulation of biological and biochemical processes
through class room lectures and encourage interactive learning with simulation studies
including animations, presentations. Principles of various biochemical techniques will be
explained through advanced instrumentations. The data will be analysed and interpreted with
computer-assisted software.Project-based studies will help students devise experiments
independently.

Assessment Methods:
• Continuous Assessment by regular class tests; Projects and Assignments both
individual/group projects to inculcate independent thinking as well as team work among
the students. Regular Presentationsto be assessed based on the content, novelty,
explanation and response to queries.
• Online Assignment/Project Submission; Self-assessment through Quiz.
• Concept maps (Diagram with hierarchical nodes, labeled with concepts), Concept (The
instructor presents one or more questions during class along with several possible
answers), Oral/Poster Presentation.