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BMS2021: Biochemistry in Human Function

This subject covers the biochemical principles of cellular metabolic regulation, metabolic interrelationship of tissues, biochemical events associated with the fed and fasted states, the generation of metabolic energy by oxidation of macronutrients including the role and formation of mitochondria in cellular bioenergetics. It discusses hormone action and the biochemical basis of diabetes and gives an overview of brain metabolism. It covers the biochemical mechanism of cell growth, differentiation and death. It gives an introduction to molecular medicine based on the specialised tissue metabolism of blood and brain cells.

Lecturing Staff

Colour photo of Alfons Lawen

Colour photo of Tim Cole

 [Colour Photo of Dr Janet Macaulay] 
Dr Alfons Lawen Dr Tim Cole Dr Janet Macaulay
Colour photo of Phillip Nagley

 Colour photo of Chris Mitchell
Prof Phillip Nagley Prof Christina Mitchell

Organisation of the unit

‘Biochemistry in Human Function' consists of 3 lectures per week and one 3 hour small group session. The small group sessions will involve several different kinds of exercises, including case studies, problem solving exercises, computer based activities, on-line quizzes and oral presentations.

Topics Covered

Topic A.     Regulation and Integration of Metabolism                     (13 lectures)

Topic B.     Cell Homeostasis, Growth, Death and Differentiation  (10 lectures)

Topic C.     Introduction to Molecular Medicine                                (7 lectures)     

Dr A Lawen

  • 1.     Introduction into the unit.
  • 2. A  Metabolism in different tissues and transport across membranes.
  • 3. A  Strategies for metabolic control.
  • 4. A  Regulation of glucose homeostasis.
  • 5. A  Nitrogen metabolism - amino acids.
  • 6. A  Nitrogen metabolism - nucleotides.

    •        Revision

    A/Prof TJ Cole

  •  7.  A  Cell-cell communication and signal tranduction.
  •  8.  A  Chemical nature, synthesis, degradation and actions of hormones.
  •  9.  A  Hormone-Receptor interactions and intracellular second messengers of hormone action.
  • 10. A  Hormone action in health and disease - Nuclear hormone receptors.
  • 11. A  Hormone action in health and disease - G-coupled protein receptors.
  • 12. A  Hormone action in health and disease - Enzyme-linked receptors.

    •          Revision

    Dr JO Macaulay

  • 13. C  Metabolism in fasting and starvation.
  • 14. C  Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
  • 15. A  Cellular protein turnover, the proteasome and autophagy.
  • 16. B  Intracellular trafficking of proteins I.
  • 17. B  Intracellular trafficking of proteins II.
  • 18. C  Intracellular trafficking and disease.

    •          Revision

    Prof P Nagley

  • 19. B  The cell-cycle and DNA replication.
  • 20. B  Regulation of the cell cycle and the role of cyclins.
  • 21. B  Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis I.
  • 22. B  Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis II.
  • 23. C  Apoptosis and disease.

    •          Revision

    Prof CA Mitchell

  • 24. B  Adult stem cells, cell differentiation and blood cell formation.
  • 25. B  Structure and function of red and white blood cells.
  • 26. B  Leukaemia.
  • 27. C  Haemostasis and thrombosis.

    •          Revision

     Dr A Lawen

  • 28. B  Brain cell formation.
  • 29. A  Specialised metabolism of the brain.
  • 30. C  Axonal transport.
  • 31. C  Biochemical basis of neurological disorders.

    •          Revision