School Of Science And HealthHuman Metabolism and DiseaseWestern Sydney University Unit Code: 300548.2
Discipline: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Student Contribution Band: 2
Level: 2
Credit Points: 10
Assumed Knowledge
Knowledge of protein structure and function, gene expression, principles of enzyme catalysis, including the structure of enzymatic active sites and catalytic mechanisms, knowledge of eukaryotic intracellular compartments and their broad function.
Equivalent Units
14440 - Biochemistry 2, 300220 - Biochemistry 2, J2821 - Biochemistry of Metabolism
Incompatible Units
300227 - General Biochemistry, BC202A - Biochemistry 2.2
Prerequisite
300219 Biochemistry 1 OR 300555 Proteins and Genes
About this Unit
In 2013 this unit will be replaced by 300848 - Metabolism. Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300220 - Biochemistry 2. Understanding human metabolism at a molecular level underpins our understanding of human health and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Kinetics and regulation of enzymes will be studied as a preliminary to learning how metabolic pathways work. The central pathways of energy metabolism, their control and inter-relationships will be analysed in detail, including carbohydrate and fat metabolism; ATP synthesis involving electron transport and ATP synthase; and nitrogen metabolism, including aspects of amino acid degradation and urea synthesis. Emphasis will be placed on enzyme and hormonal regulations, the roles of different tissues in metabolic homeostasis; and the consequences for human health when enzymes or their regulations are defective.