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Lecturer(s)
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Tůma Roman, prof. Mgr. Ph.D.
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Fessl Tomáš, Mgr. Ph.D.
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Vácha František, prof. RNDr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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Tentative schedule Final schedule and further information will be provided via Teams channel: General | UCH/757 Biochemistry 1 2026 Delivery: Frantisek Vacha (FV), Roman Tuma (RT), Tomas Fessl (TF) 1) Cell structure, composition and function - from cell biology, gene expression to biochemistry - science studying biomolecules and mechanisms of their function, organelles and biochemical methods to study them (centrifugation) RT Tutorial: Revision of relevant chemistry - interactive quiz-based survey of basic knowledge (Slido/MS forms) RT 2) Biomolecules - chemistry of life, aqueous solutions, functional and reactive groups, ions, dissociation/ionization, pH, pKa, ionic strength, buffers, monovalent versus multivalent ions RT Tutorial: molarity, buffer preparation and use, equilibrium constant RT 3) Proteins - amino acids and side chain chemistry, peptide bond, polypeptide chain conformation, folding and structure hierarchy, experimental characterization of proteins RT Tutorial: Protein databank and predictions, how to visualize proteins - computer graphics, models etc, protein concentration determination - UV spectroscopy, Bradford colorimetric assay RT 4) Enzymes - catalysis, chemistry etc, kinetics and energetics of reactions, RT Tutorial: simple substrate binding isotherm, and kinetics - experimental data handling RT 5) Nucleic Acids and nucleotides - nucleotides - phosphoester bonds, nucleotide analogues as drugs, composition structure basic function modifications, polyelectrolyte, structure and reactivity-ribozymes TF Tutorial: DNA/RNA duplex stability, thermodynamics of association, RNA structure prediction TF 6) Small molecules: lipids-membrane structure and self-assembly, hydrophobic effect, phase separation, phase transitions, membrane protein basics - detergents TF Tutorial: Midterm written in course assessment 1 (60 min) 7) Practical biochemistry basics -isolation of biomolecules from cells, chromatography, electrophoresis, basic characterization and analysis - oligomers, complexes, stability Tutorial: Chromatography and electrophoresis data analysis Test results and feedback RT 8) Sugars and polysaccharides - structure, stereoisomers etc., basic types and their functions FV 9) Metabolism basics and overview FV Tutorial: coupled reactions, ATP-driven reaction thermodynamics 10) Redox reactions and electron transfer - cofactors, proton pumping Tutorial: redox potential and energetics FV 11) Citric acid cycle & oxidative phosphorylation, chemiosmotic principle - ATP synthesis FV 12) Revisions & feedback RT/FV/TF 13) Written in course assessment 2
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Work with text (with textbook, with book), Work with multi-media resources (texts, internet, IT technologies), Case studies, Blended learning
- Preparation for credit
- 30 hours per semester
- Class attendance
- 36 hours per semester
- Preparation for classes
- 30 hours per semester
- Preparation for exam
- 20 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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Course aims at introduction of general biochemistry for students of the Biological Chemistry bachelor study programme. The course provides a broad array of fundamental knowledge of structural and functional biochemistry which are essential for understanding of other subjects in Biological Chemistry curriculum. In the course framework, biochemistry is given as chemistry of non-binding/non-covalent interactions which take place in biological systems on the level of molecules and cells. Structural and functional properties of the components which play a role in the transmission of energy as well as signals are emphasized.
Basic cell structure - prokaryotic, eukaryotic, organelles, biomolecules, composition, small molecules - metabolites, hormones, energy sources, ions Basic cellular processes - gene expression, metabolism and synthesis, signalling and differentiation, motility and migration, cell division Basic chemistry of biomolecules, forces between molecules - charged groups, ionization and pH/pKa and ionic strength, properties of water and hydrophobic effect, catalysis and enzymology Principles and examples of use of selected elementary methodology to isolate and study biomolecules: centrifugation, electrophoresis (PAGE and agarose), various chromatography methods (IEX, SEC, IMAC), UV-VIS absorption and biomolecule concentration determination Mastering calculations for buffer preparation and concentration unit conversions (molar mass/weight, molarity, mg/ml) Students will be able to visualize and analyze structural aspects of biomolecules and their complexes. Evaluating binding affinity and estimating the associated free energy of interaction from experimental data.
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Prerequisites
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Basic knowledge of general, inorganic and organic chemistry.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Written examination, Test, Interim evaluation
The course requires active participation during the classes and tutorials as well as self-study and completion of homework assignments. Attendance of lectures and tutorials is compulsory and will be checked via regular short quizzes (formative and summative, Slido/MS forms via phone or computer). Tutorials: pass requires at least 75% of homeworks (3 out of 4) marked as acceptable and participating in at least 75% of quizzes Overall - at least 50% on aggregate score from the two in course written assessments Final grade will be based on: 20% from summative quizzes and 80% from aggregate score of the in-course assessments
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Recommended literature
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A. L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M. M. Cox: Principles of Biochemistry. Worth Publishers, New York, 1993.
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D. Voet, J. G. Voet: Biochemistry. Victoria Publishing Ltd.
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J. Stenesh: Biochemistry. Plenum Press,New York&London, 1998.
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