MCB 102: Metabolism Section F20 – Bioenergetics and Chemical Logic Study Notes

MCB 102: Metabolism Section F20

Course Overview

This course covers the fundamental biochemical pathways of metabolism, focusing on the biosynthetic and degradation processes for major biomolecules. Students will learn the thermodynamic principles and chemical logic underlying metabolic reactions, as well as the regulatory mechanisms at the enzyme, pathway, and systems levels.

Course Structure and Topics

Weekly Topics and Readings

Day	Date	Topic	Reading (Lehninger 8th Edition)
W	10/1	Bioenergetics and Chemical Logic	Chapter 13.1-2
F	10/3	Group Transfer & Oxidation-Reduction Reactions	Chapter 13.3
M	10/6	Glycolysis	Chapter 14.1
W	10/8	Fermentation, Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway	Chapter 14.3
F	10/10	Metabolic Regulation I (remote)	Chapter 13.5
M	10/13	No class
W	10/15	Metabolic Regulation II	Chapter 14.5
F	10/17	Glycogen	Chapter 15.1
M	10/20	Citric Acid Cycle	Chapter 16.1
W	10/22	Oxidative Phosphorylation	Chapter 19.1
F	10/24	Photosynthesis	Chapter 20.1
M	10/27	Fatty Acid Metabolism	Chapter 17.1
W	10/29	Amino Acid Metabolism	Chapter 18.1
F	10/31	What to expect on Midterm II

Key Concepts

Bioenergetics and Chemical Logic

Bioenergetics is the quantitative study of energy transformations in living cells, focusing on the nature and function of chemical processes. Chemical logic refers to the principles that govern the reactivity and transformation of biomolecules in metabolic pathways.

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in the cell, including biosynthetic (anabolic) and degradative (catabolic) pathways.

• Bioenergetics: Understanding how energy is produced, transferred, and utilized in biochemical reactions.

• Chemical Logic: The rules and mechanisms by which biochemical reactions proceed, including electron flow, nucleophilic/electrophilic interactions, and group transfers.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the major metabolic pathways and their roles in cellular function.

• Explain the thermodynamic principles underlying metabolic reactions.

• Apply chemical logic to predict the outcomes of biochemical reactions.

• Understand regulatory mechanisms at the enzyme, pathway, and systems levels.

Course Logistics

• Instructor: Professor Mary Wildermuth

• Office Hours: 3-4 pm, Koshland 338 (in person only)

• Remote Office Hours: 3-4 pm by Zoom (Meeting ID: 973 9967 8979, Passcode: 820737)

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a structured overview of the topics and readings for a college-level biochemistry course focused on metabolism.

• Students are expected to read the assigned textbook chapters before each lecture and be prepared to discuss key concepts.