luk lecture 1

Course Information

• Course Title: Biocatalysis (317)

• Lecturers:

  • Lewis (main lecturer)

  • Dr. James Redman

  • Dr. David Miller

• Assessment Weighting:

  • Coursework: 80% (coursework due April 10)

  • Exam: 20% (spring exam period)

• Graduate Course Weighting:

  • Exam: 70%

  • Workshop: 30% (workshop coursework due April 22)

• Feedback Timeline: Provided a month after submissions.

Course Topics

• Engineered Biosynthesis

  • Broad topic encompassing various aspects of natural products.

  • Contributions by each lecturer on distinct sections of the course.

• Background Reading:

  • Focus on natural products, including:

    • Polypeptides and alkaloids

    • Nucleotides and peptides

    • Terpenes

Cell Biology Basics

• Plant Cells vs Eukaryotic Cells:

  • Key Components of Plant Cells:

    • Cell membrane and wall

    • Nucleus (stores genetic information)

    • Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex (post-translational modification of proteins)

    • Chloroplast (photosynthesis)

    • Vacuole (storage)

• Key Components of Eukaryotic/Mammalian Cells:

  • Lack chloroplasts and vacuoles, possess different surface structures like microvilli.

The Role of Enzymes in Chemical Reactions

• Enzymes as Catalysts:

  • Proteins that facilitate and accelerate chemical reactions.

• Types of Enzymes:

  • Enzymes can incorporate RNA (e.g., ribosomes) and catalyze reactions involving nucleotides.

• Protein Structure:

  • Composed of 20 amino acids with distinct properties.

Genetic Information and Evolution

• Evolution of RNA to DNA:

  • Original materials transformed from RNA to DNA (stable) over time.

  • RNA involved in transcribing genetic information; proteins act as functional molecules.

Amino Acids and Therapeutics

• Therapeutic Proteins:

  • Examples include insulin (used for diabetes) and antibody-drug conjugates (cancer treatment).

• Importance of Amino Acid Sequences:

  • Correct order of amino acids determines the functionality of proteins.

Reaction Mechanisms and Activation Energies

• Energy Barrier in Reaction Pathways:

  • Activation energy must be overcome for reactions to proceed.

• Enzyme Functionality:

  • Enzymes lower the activation energy required for biochemical reactions.

  • Difference in energy between catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions (Delta Delta G).

Challenges in Laboratory Reactions

• Environmental Constraints:

  • Reactions often conducted in specific pH and temperature ranges; common range is 32-37°C.

• Substrate Transformation:

  • Conversion from substrate to product often requires specific conditions and catalysts.

Evolution of Enzymatic Function

• Enzymatic Adaptation:

  • Enzymes are specific but may tolerate variations that lead to beneficial changes over time.

  • Development of enzyme libraries from evolutionary processes.

Biosynthesis and Metabolism

• Natural Product Formation:

  • Understanding how nature synthesizes complex compounds.

  • Differentiation between primary metabolites (essential for survival) and secondary metabolites (which can provide competitive advantages).

Key Concepts in Engineering Pathways

• Pathway Control in Microbial Systems:

  • Targeting specific pathways to control product yield and efficiency.

• Natural Product Applications:

  • Insights into the production of various chemicals, therapeutic agents, and their metabolic pathways.

Upcoming Topics and Discussions

• Next Classes to Focus On:

  • ATP activation of carboxylic groups

  • Peptide synthesis and amino acid interactions

  • Chemistry of THC in wheat and its effects.

Class Engagement

• Interactive Discussions:

  • Opportunities for students to ask questions and participate in dialogues related to biocatalysis and natural product chemistry.