Biochemistry

In this course the emphasis lies on the dynamics of chemical reactions that occur in the living cell. The mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions are illustrated. Describing the reactions that occur in catabolic processes, illustrates how enzymes are optimized and tuned within metabolic networks. These processes also address the question of how the cell acquires the required energy for the various endergonic reactions. The activation of metabolic pathways requires monitoring the energy requirements of the cell and regulation of metabolic rates. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes will be discussed, with emphasis on regulation of enzymes. Also, regulation through protein synthesis will be discussed, which required deeper insight into the processes of transcription and translation. Finally, cell division requires correct DNA replication. The molecular mechanisms underlying this process will be discussed.