Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
CH30065: Biosynthesis & biotransformations |
 Credits:
| 3 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take CH30128 |
| Description:
| Aims: To provide an introduction to advanced aspects of a topic of current interest in Organic Chemistry. Learning Outcomes: After studying this Unit, students should be able to: * Provide examples of biosynthetic pathways. * Describe how enzymes can be used to produce enantiomerically pure compounds. Skills: Problem solving (T, F, A). Scientific writing (F, A). Independent working (F). Group working (F). Content: Biotransformations. The use of enzymes in organic synthesis. Kinetic resolution with hydrolytic enzymes, and the preparation of enantiomerically enriched alcohols and acids. Enzymes in oxidation, reduction and C-C bond forming reactions. Biosynthetic pathways, including the biosynthesis of fatty acids and polyketides. Terpene biosynthesis, the shikimic acid pathway and the roles of pyridoxal phosphate in biosynthesis are also addressed. |