DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAMME)
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
COVENANT UNIVERSITY
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE CODE:
BCH 211
COURSE TITLE:
BIOMOLECULES 1 (Proteins, Vitamins and Nucleic acids)
UNITS:
3
SEMESTER/ SESSION:
ALPHA, 2013/2014
COURSE LECTURERS:
Mrs. O. A. Rotimi* and Dr. A. H. Adebayo
*Course Coordinator
A.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course examines the nature of the molecules found in living organisms. These
molecules are essential to life and are generally referred to as biomolecules (i.e.
molecules of life). In Biomolecules 1, important biomolecules such as amino acids,
proteins, vitamins, enzymes, coenzymes, and nucleic acids are examined. The
chemistry, structure, isolation and identification of these basic biomolecules are
emphasized. The course has both theoretical and practical classes.
B.
AIM:
The aim is to give the students an understanding of the basic chemistry and structure of
amino acids, proteins, vitamins, enzymes and coenzymes in relation to their functions. It
also aims to teach them how to isolate and identify any of the biomolecules.
C.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:

Know what biomolecules are and describe the different types found in living cells
and understand the roles each of them play in biochemical processes.

Discuss the structural hierarchy in the molecular organization of cells.

Understand the chemistry, structure, chemical reactions of amino acids and their
derivatives.

Describe the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins.

Explain the structure and functions of vitamins, coenzymes and enzymes.

Understand the chemistry and structure of different types of nucleic acids.

Illustrate the methods of isolation and identification of amino acids, proteins,
enzymes, vitamins and nucleic acids.
D.
METHODS OF LECTURE DELIVERY /TEACHING AIDS
Lecture Delivery and Teaching Aids include

Guided instructions

Interactive classroom session

Transparencies and power-point presentations.

Diagrams

Laboratory Practicals –
 Isolation of proteins and nucleic acids,
 Tests to identify of amino acids, proteins, vitamins and nucleic acids.
E.
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1
Biomolecules, amino acids and peptides (Dr. A.H. Adebayo)
Week 1
Biomolecules: Definition, classification and functions. Structural
hierarchy in the molecular organization of cells. Macromolecules.
Week 2
Amino acids: Definition, functions, chemistry, basic structure and
stereoisomerism. Reactions of amino acids
Week 3
Standard amino acids: Classification and structures. Derivatives of
amino acids.
Module 2 Peptides and Proteins (Dr. A.H. Adebayo)
Week 4
Peptides: di-peptides, oligo-peptides and polypeptides (proteins).
Peptide bonds and the primary structure of proteins.
Week 5
Secondary and tertiary structure of proteins. Quaternary proteins.
Week 6
Structural and globular proteins. Types and functions of proteins.
Mid-term Test
Module 3
Enzymes, vitamins and coenzymes (Mrs. O. A. Rotimi)
Week 7
Enzymes: Definition, catalytic activity and effect on biochemical
reactions.
Week 8
Vitamins: Classes, structure, functions and deficiency diseases.
Week 9
Vitamins and their coenzymes. Holoenzyme and apoenzymes.
Module 4
Nucleic acids (Mrs. O. A. Rotimi)
Week 10
Types and functions of nucleic acids – DNA and RNA.
Week 11
Nucleotides; nucleosides, nitrogenous bases, pentose sugars and
phosphate groups.
F.
Week 12
Molecular structure of the DNA.
Week 13
Structure and types of RNA.
Week 14
Tutorials
Week 15
Revision and evaluation.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME/ METHOD OF GRADING
1. Continuous Assessment
2.
G.
30 Marks
(i)
Practicals
5 Marks
(ii)
Assignment
5 Marks
(iii)
Mid-Semester Test 20 Marks
Semester Examination
70 Marks
(i) Theory paper
60 marks
(ii) Practical paper
10 marks
CLASS BEHAVIOUR
Please note the following:

Mandatory 75% class attendance,

No eating or dozing in the classroom or laboratory,

Active participation in all activities,

All class assignments must be submitted on time,

Punctuality to classes must be observed.
H.
TOPICS FOR TERM PAPERS/ASSIGNMENTS
(i)
Discuss the chemistry and structure of the standard amino acids.
(ii)
Describe the reactions of amino acids and explain the principles of the
methods used for the identification of the molecules.
(iii)
Discuss the formation of peptide bonds and the primary structure of
proteins.
(iv)
Explain the nature of bonds responsible for the secondary and tertiary
structures of proteins.
(v)
With specific examples, discuss the features of quaternary proteins.
(vi)
Give an outline of important vitamins and their functions in cellular
activities.
(vii)
Give a detailed account of vitamins and their coenzyme forms in relation
to enzyme activity and deficiency diseases.
(viii)
Draw the structures of the basic nucleotides found in nucleic acids.
(ix)
Describe the structure of DNA and RNA molecules.
I. INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE
The knowledge acquired in amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins,
enzymes
and
coenzymes
can
be
useful
in
food,
biomedical,
diagnostics,
biotechnological and agricultural industries.
J. RECOMMENDED READING
1. McKee T and J. R. McKee J.R. Biochemistry: The molecular basis of life.
McGraw-Hill, New York.
2. Lehninger, A. Principles of Biochemistry (5th edition) Worth Publishers Inc.
3. Stryer, L. Biochemistry (4th edition).
4. Horton H. A. et al. Principles of Biochemistry (4th edition)
5. Harper, H. A. Review of Physiological Chemistry.