Skip to main content

Metabolism of Living Systems

Overview

  • Credit value: 15 credits at Level 5
  • Convenor: to be confirmed
  • Assessment: two 45-minute online tests (5% each), two 45-minute in-class tests (15% each) and a 90-minute in-class test (60%)

Module description

In this module we expand upon the fundamentals of nutrition and metabolism introduced at Level 4. We provide an overview of the biochemical and physiological processes involved in acquiring and utilising energy and matter across all domains of life, ranging from bacteria to plants and animals as well as communities of microorganisms. Key metabolic pathways will be described with emphasis on the differences in these pathways between the different domains of life. The module will provide essential foundational knowledge and context for further study of pharmacology, enzymology and biochemical research.

Indicative syllabus

Metabolism of bacteria and archaea

  • Overview of metabolic strategies found in bacteria (phototrophy vs. chemotrophy, autotrophy vs. heterotrophy, lithotrophy vs. organotrophy)
  • Regulation of metabolic pathways
  • Overview carbon and nitrogen utilisation during aerobic and anaerobic growth
  • Carbon and nitrogen fixation pathways
  • Metabolism of archaea and extremophiles (methanogenesis)

Metabolism of animals

  • Glycolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid biosynthesis
  • Respiration/electron transport
  • Mitochondria/evolutionary connection to bacteria

Metabolism of plants

  • Photosynthesis, starch synthesis
  • Chloroplasts/evolutionary connection to cyanobacteria

Metabolism of the microbiome

  • Metabolic capacity of individuals vs. collective
  • Cross-feeding
  • Secondary metabolites

Applications for biotechnology

  • Bioengineering - harnessing organisms for biomaterials production

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • compare the different metabolic strategies employed by bacteria, plants and animals
  • explain the differences in the key metabolic pathways predominantly found in each domain of life
  • outline the major carbon and nitrogen fixation pathways
  • describe the major photosynthesis and respiration pathways
  • understand the role of the microbiome in the metabolic pathways of plants and animals
  • understand how metabolic pathways can be modified or altered, naturally, therapeutically or industrially.