Macromolecules of life: structure-function and bioinformatics 356


 
Module code BCM 356
Qualification Undergraduate
Faculty Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Module content

Structure, function, bioinformatics and biochemical analysis of (oligo)nucleotides, amino acids, proteins and ligands – and their organisation into hierarchical, higher order, interdependent structures. Principles of structure-function relationships, protein folding, sequence motifs and domains, higher order and supramolecular structure, self-assembly, conjugated proteins, post-translational modifications. Molecular recognition between proteins, ligands, DNA and RNA or any combinations. The RNA structural world, RNAi, miRNA and ribosomes. Cellular functions of coding and non-coding nucleic acids. Basic principles of mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and proteomics. Protein purification and characterisation including, pI, molecular mass, amino acid composition and sequence. Mechanistic aspects and regulation of information flow from DNA via RNA to proteins and back. Practical training includes hands-on nucleic acid purification and sequencing, protein production and purification, analysis by SDS-PAGE or mass spectrometry, protein structure analysis and 3D protein modelling.

Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites BCM 251 GS and BCM 257 GS and BCM 261 GS and BCM 252 GS.
Contact time 1 practical/tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Department Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology
Period of presentation Semester 1

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