After successful completion of the course, students are able to describe the structure and function of the most important groups of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids). Furthermore, they are able to explain essential molecular biological mechanisms of the cell, the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA & proteins. Using selected examples, students can demonstrate the regulation of metabolism in the cell as well as signal transduction. They will be able to describe the function, nomenclature and properties of enzymes and to describe in detail important anabolic and catabolic metabolic pathways and their regulation (including glycolysis, citrate cycle, respiratory chain, photosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis and nitrogen cycle).

1 1. Basics of Biochemistry

2. Biomolecules

• Proteins
• Nucleic acids
• Carbohydrates and lipids

3. Molecular biology

• Biosynthesis of DNA and RNA (replication, transcription)
• Protein Biosynthesis (Translation)
• Metabolic Regulation & Signal Transduction

4. Metabolism

• General principles
• Biothermodynamics
• Enzyme und Enzymkinetik

4.1 Catabolism 

• Carbohydrate degradation (glycolysis, NADH regeneration, pentose phosphate pathway, pyruvate degradation, respiratory chain, citric acid cycle ...)
• Fat loss (lipases, glycerol degradation, ß-oxidation)
• Protein degradation (proteases, amino acid degradation, urea cycle)

4.2 Anabolism

• Photosynthesis: dark reaction and light reaction
• Gluconeogenesis
• Glycogen metabolism
• Fatty acid biosynthesis
• shuttle systems
• Nitrogen fixation and nitrogen circulation

Current change in carrying out the lecture!

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the current pandemic situation, Matthias Steiger and I have decided to hold the lecture in a solely online mode. So, we also follow the requirements of the rectorate and fall back on the system that was used last year.

On a weekly basis, the individual VO units are activated as commented slides in the TUWel course. The first activation takes place after this message.

In addition, we will offer so-called "flip back lectures" as a zoom meeting in which you can ask questions to the speakers. The activation of the zoom links will take place timely in the TUWel course.

Schedule for the first 3 flip back lectures:

Lecture 1: 09.12. 16:00 - 17:30, introduction + proteins

Lecture 2: December 16 16:00 -17: 30, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids

Lecture 3: December 22nd 16:00 - 17:30, molecular biology

Lecture 4: 12.01. 10:15-12:00 Unit 6: 4.0 Metabolism: General principles of metabolism

Lecture 5: 14.01. 10:15: 12:00 Unit 7: 4.1 Catabolism: glycolysis, citrate cycle

Lecture 6: 19.01. 10:15 -12:00 Unit 8: 4.1 Catabolism: respiratory chain, pentose phosphate pathway

Lecture 7: 21.01. 10:15 -12:00 Unit 9: 4.1 Catabolism: lipid metabolism, protein degradation, amino acid catabolism

Lecture 8: 26.01. 10:15-12:00 Unit 10: 4.2 Anabolism: photosynthesis, Calvin cycle and light reaction

Lecture 9: 28.01. 10:15- 12:00 Unit 11: 4.2 Anabolism: gluconeogenesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, nitrogen fixation

Until further notice, all exams will take place in presence mode.

Kind regards

Robert Mach & Matthias Steiger

Lecture with Power point presentation.

At the moment it is planned to hold the VO on campus in presence. Please note that there is a registration requirement for this course in this winter semester due to the pandemic. You can register from now until 12/11/2021.

There is no limit on participants, but above a certain number of participants we are obliged to switch to a hybrid mode (alternating one group on-site, one group on-line). Therefore, for better planning, we record the number of participants via registration.

Therefore, you can register for VO Biochemistry I from now until 12.11.2021.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

A written examination on the lecture contents. The exam lasts 120 minutes and consists of 10 tasks. These tasks are composed of: 

• 10 questions per topic/topic area/randomly distributed over the topics Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Biomolecules, Molecular Biology, Metabolism (Anabolism & Catabolism)

A total of 100 points are awarded for the examination; 100-88 points correspond to "Very Good", 87-75 points to "Good", 74-62 points to "Satisfactory", 61-50 points to "Satisfactory" and less than 50 points to "Unsatisfactory", which means that the examination must be repeated. 

Permitted aids in the examination are: none

In the coming winter semester it is planned that due to the pandemic there will exceptionally be a registration obligation for VOs.

There is no limitation of participants, but from a certain number of participants we are obliged to switch to a hybrid mode (alternately one group on-site, one group on-line). Therefore, for better planning, we record the number of participants via registration.

Therefore, you can register for the VO Biochemistry I from now until 12.11.2021

The power-point presentations of the lecture can be downloaded  from TISS. Literature recommendations are included. ATTENTION: they are not a script of the lecture, they merely serve the purpose to relief the student from drawing the shown slides. It is recommended to make records of the lecturers explanations.

Basic knowledge in chemistry, particularly on organic chemistry (natural components)