Biochemistry: Secondary Metabolism II

3 credit hours · Undergraduate

A course presenting principles of metabolism of molecules commonly referred to as the secondary metabolites, i.e. involved neither in energy nor in biosynthetic substrates formation. Thus biosynthetic pathways leading to formation of major secondary metabolite (or natural products) classes, i.e. fatty acids derivatives, polyketides, isoprenoids including sterols, alkaloids, and shikimic acid pathway products such as phenols, lignans, and flavonoids, will be presented. Some major enzymes involved in formation of these biomolecules as well as the methods of pathway and structure elucidation will be presented along with biological activity, ecological and taxonomic significance of metabolites. The laboratory component will provide an opportunity to complete an individual research project, including literature search, experimental work, analysis of results, and writing a comprehensive report.