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The Basics of Biochemistry

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Ķīmi1012, Chemistry

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide students with knowledge, skills, and competence in the fundamental processes of life occurring in animal cells - biochemical transformations, their catalysis by enzymes, regulation through biochemical signals in the flow of biochemical information, as well as the flows of matter and energy resulting from metabolism within the cell that affect the entire organism. This knowledge will enable students to understand the complexity of life processes and will form the basis for further studies in animal physiology and specialized courses.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knows about properties and structure of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins in the animal nutrition. Biochemical processes, metabolism and the biochemical regulation in the animal body – 1., 2., and 3. Test. The skills to make in use the theoretical knowledge on pathways of metabolism and their regulation in tissues cells in the further specialization studies and in solving professional problems will be developed during biochemistry studies. These skills assist to create scientifically based hypothesis and their possible solutions on the base of empirical data and recent theoretical cognitions - Successfully completed and approved practical and laboratory works. Is to able competence to independently acquire, select and analyze information on lipids, carbohydrates and protein metabolism in animals and their nutrition. To use information, to make and explain decisions and solve scientific and professional issues - Exam passed.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction. Proteins. Enzymes / Lab Work 1: Safety Instruction / The Effect of Amylase on Starch. Enzyme-Substrate Specificity (Lectures – 2 h, Laboratory Work – 2 h).
2. Carbohydrate Metabolism. Fermentation Processes (Lectures – 2 h, Practical Work – 2 h).
3. Biological Oxidation / Test 1 / Lab Work 2: Lactose Detection in Milk (Lectures – 2 h, Laboratory Work – 2 h).
4. Lipid Metabolism (Lectures – 2 h, Practical Work – 2 h).
5. Protein Metabolism / Lab Work 3: Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Proteins / Lab Work 4: Gastric Juice (Lectures – 2 h, Laboratory Work – 2 h).
6. Nucleic Acids. Genes / Test 2 (Lectures – 2 h, Practical Work – 2 h).
7. Biochemistry of Muscles and Connective Tissue / Lab Work 5: Yeast Nucleoprotein Hydrolysis (Lectures – 2 h, Laboratory Work – 2 h).

8. Microelements and Macroelements. Water- and Fat-Soluble Vitamins. Laboratory Work Defence / Test 3 (Lectures – 2 h, Practical Work – 2 h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

At the times specified by the lecturer, the student completes three tests, successfully performs practical work, conducts four laboratory works, submits their reports, and, at the end of the course, defends the laboratory works in the final assessment.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparation of laboratory reports - compilation and systematization of chemical reactions, observation, conclusions and experimental progress.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students are allowed to take the exam if all laboratory works has been completed, approved, and defended within the designated timeframes, practical works has been completed, and all three tests have been successfully passed.

Compulsory reading

1. Miķelsone, V. Bioķīmija: mācību līdzeklis. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 197 lpp.
2.Morozovs A., Jākobsone I., Mekšs P. Pārtikas ķīmija. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2008. 208 lpp.
2. Garrett R.H., Grisham C.M. Biochemistry. Australia etc.: Thomson Books/Cole, 2005, p.1086-1169.
4. Comprehensive glycoscience: from chemistry to systems biology. Vol. 3. Biochemistry of glyco-conjugate glycans. Carbohydrate-mediated interactions. Editor-in-chief J.P. Kamerling. Oxford: Elsevier, 2007. 902 p.

Further reading

1. Fry M. Essential Biochemistry for Medicine. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. 308 p.
2. Handbook of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 4th Edition. Edited by Rogur L. Lundblad and Fiona M . MacDonald. CRC Press 2010, eBook ISBN: 978-1-4200-0869-2. Pieejams LLU FB datubāze CRCnetBase https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781466515154
3. Lipoic Acid. Energy Production, Antioxidant Activity and Health Effects. Edited by M.S.Patel and L.Pack. CRC Press 2008, eBook ISBN: 978-1-4200-4539-0 Pieejams LLU FB datubāze CRCnetBase http://www.crcnetbase.com/doi/book/10.1201/9781420045390

Periodicals and other sources

1. Journal of Animal Science. American Society of Animal Science. Print ISSN 0021-8812, Online ISSN 1525-3163.

Notes

The course is intended for students of the Professional Bachelor's Degree Programme in „Agriculture”, qualification: Zootechnics in Breeding, and for students of the Bachelor's Degree Programme in „Sustainable Agriculture” with a specialisation in Sustainable Animal Production.