Biomembranes and Bioenergetics

The course Biomembranes and Bioenergetics has a multi-disciplinary application and encompasses core fundamental topics that will benefit students in the fields of life sciences, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, bioengineering, biotechnology etc.The main objectives of the course are:1. To familiarize the students with the fundamental concepts of cellular membranes, their structures and the chemical composition that are responsible for the unique functions of biomembranes with emphasis on membrane transport2. To help the students understand the concept of chemical thermodynamics and how they apply within cells3. To make the students understand the various energy transductions that occur within the cell.

COURSE LAYOUT

Week 1: Biomembrane structure and composition, Biomembrane asymmetry and fluidity, Fluid Mosaic Model of biological membrane, Model membrane systemsWeek 2: Membrane dynamics. Membrane lipids. Membrane proteins. RBC membrane architecture
Week 3: Transport of metabolites across the plasma membrane, Passive and active transport, Symport and antiport systems, ATP-powered pumpsWeek 4: Na+/K+ ATPases and Ca2+ ATPases, Secondary active Transporters, ABC family of transporters, Vesicular transportWeek 5: Ion channels, Principles of chemical thermodynamics – concept of free energy, enthalpy and entropy, Equilibruim state, open and closed systems, Oxidation-reduction reactions and reduction potentialWeek 6: Nernst equation and free energy changes, Role of ATP in cellular Metabolism, Chemiosmotic theory, Universal electron carriersWeek 7: Types of phosphorylation, Oxidative phosphorylation and Mitochondrial electron transport, Inhibitors of ETC and uncouplers, GlycolysisWeek 8: TCA cycle, Beta oxidation of fatty acids, Thermogenesis, Alternative respiratory pathways in plants,Week 9: Photosynthetic pigments, Photophosphorylation in plants, Molecular analysis of photosystems I and II, Z scheme of photosynthetic electron flowWeek 10: Practical 1. Differential staining of WBC 2. RBC ghost cell preparation and study of effects on membranes 3. Study of photosynthetic oxygen evolution in Hydrilla plant.Week 11: Discussion/InteractionWeek 12: Discussion/Interaction