General Practical Biology II

1. Explain the relationship between amino acids, peptides, and proteins.
2. Describe the basic structural features of commonly occurring amino acids.
3. Relate properties of amino acids to their functional groups.
4. Explain how amino acids are linked via peptide bonds.
5. Explain the various criteria used for the separation/purification and sequencing of peptides and proteins.
6. Explain the nature of enzymes and enzyme-catalysed reactions.

13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Amino Acids

   • Unit 1: Amino Acids as Building Blocks of Proteins · 2 hours

     Define amino acids and their role as building blocks of proteins.. Explain the occurrence of amino acids in nature.. Understand the concepts of chirality and stereoisomerism.. Practice writing the structures of common amino acids..

2. Week 2Module 1: Amino Acids

   • Unit 2: Classification of Amino Acids · 2 hours

     Classify amino acids based on their structures and functional groups.. Identify polar and nonpolar amino acids.. Understand the nutritional requirements of amino acids.. Draw and recognize the structures of all common amino acids..

3. Week 3Module 1: Amino Acids

   • Unit 3: Properties of Amino Acids · 2 hours

     Discuss the physical properties of amino acids, including their response to heat.. Explain the optical activity of amino acids and its significance.. Understand the absorption of light by amino acids.. Describe the acid-base properties of amino acids..

4. Week 4Module 1: Amino Acids

   • Unit 4: Chemical Reactions of Amino Acids · 2 hours

     Discuss reactions common to amino acids due to their α-carboxyl group.. Explain reactions common to amino acids due to their α-amino group.. Describe reactions specific to different functional groups in amino acid side chains.. Understand the principles behind tests like Ninhydrin and Xanthoproteic reactions..

5. Week 5Module 1: Amino Acids

   • Unit 5: Ph, pk^a and Buffering Capacity of Amino Acids · 2 hours

     Define pH and use its mathematical expression to perform calculations.. Explain the dissociation of weak acids and its relation to pKa of amino acids.. Define buffer solutions and describe their function.. Solve problems using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation..

6. Week 6Module 2: Peptides

   • Unit 1: Peptides-Formation and Nomenclature · 2 hours

     Define peptides and explain how they are formed.. Describe the nature of the peptide bond.. Explain how peptides are named.. Understand the differences between peptides and proteins..

7. Week 7Module 2: Peptides

   • Unit 2: Properties, Examples and Functions of Biological Peptides · 2 hours

     State the properties of peptides.. List some common biologically active peptides.. Associate biological peptides with specific functions.. Understand the ionic properties and titration curves of peptides..

8. Week 8Module 2: Peptides

   • Unit 3: Separation of Peptides I · 2 hours

     State the principles of peptide/protein purification.. Explain how peptides are separated based on solubility.. Explain peptide purification techniques based on molecular size.. Understand techniques like dialysis, ultracentrifugation, and gel filtration..

9. Week 9Module 2: Peptides

   • Unit 4: Separation of Peptides II · 2 hours

     Differentiate between SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing.. Describe the procedure of affinity chromatography.. Give examples of various ion-exchangers.. Understand separation techniques based on charge and affinity..

10. Week 10Module 2: Peptides

    • Unit 5: Peptide Sequencing · 2 hours

      Outline the general steps for sequencing peptides and proteins.. Describe the Edman degradation procedure.. Understand the importance of preliminary steps in sequencing.. Explain how to establish the overall sequence of a polypeptide..

11. Week 11Module 3: Proteins

    • Unit 1: Proteins nature, Properties, Examples and Biological Functions · 2 hours

      Describe the nature of proteins and their structural complexity.. State some basic properties of proteins.. Give examples of some proteins and their natural sources.. Outline the functions of different proteins..

12. Week 12Module 3: Proteins

    • Unit 2: Structural Levels of Proteins · 2 hours

      Enumerate all the levels of protein structure.. Define the primary structure of protein as an amino acid sequence.. Describe the different conformations of the secondary structure of proteins.. Explain the interactions of subunits of polypeptides in the quaternary level of protein structure..

13. Week 13Module 3: Proteins

    • Unit 3: Stability of Proteins –The Roles of Noncovalent Forces · 2 hours

      Explain the process of protein folding.. Enumerate the noncovalent forces that participate in protein stability.. Explain the nature of noncovalent forces.. Explain how the compromise of these forces leads to denaturation of proteins' native conformations..