Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain cell structure and cell chemistry;
2. Write the structure of the major macromolecules and their role within the cell;
3. Understand the pathways and cycles involved in the cellular metabolism of the nutrient macromolecules;
4. Describe the role of enzymes in cellular function and the factors which affect enzyme activity;
5. Understand the photosynthetic pathway and the relationship between respiration and photosynthesis;
6. Elucidate the structure and role of the cell membranes in metabolism and the way in which molecules move through membranes.
General principles of organic chemistry; Concepts of acids, salts, bases and buffers; cell structure and cell chemistry; Chemistry, properties and biosynthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids and their metabolisms; Properties of enzymes and mechanism of enzyme action; Biochemistry of photosynthesis in plants and respiration in plants and animals; Basic concepts of metabolism and metabolic pathways with reference to agriculture; Introduction to common biochemical techniques.
Conn, E. E., Stumpf, P. K., Outline of biochemistry, Wiley, New York, USA, 1967.
Sheeler, P., Bianchi, D. E., Cell biology: structure, biochemistry and function, Wiley, New York, USA, 1983.
Stryer, L., Biochemistry, Freeman, San Francisco, USA, 1981.
Continuous assessment 40%
Written examination 60%
Phone: +675 473 4999 Fax: +675 475 7776
