BBCCT-109

Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids (Theory)

About the Course

Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids is the fifth core course of B.Sc. (Honours) Biochemistry Programme (BSCBCH. It is being offered as the third Semester course under UGC-CBCS Scheme. The theory course of Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids (BBCCT-109) is of 4 credits and a separate laboratory course (BBCCL-110) worth 2 credits is offered along with this course.

While preparing this course, we have kept in mind that students joining our B.Sc. (Honours) Biochemistry Programme have studied Biology, Chemistry and Physics upto 10+2 level. Study of metabolism includes two aspects: catabolism- the breakdown of bio molecules and anabolism- the synthesis of complex bio molecules. Learning about these pathways gives an insight into: (i) how living organisms derive energy by catabolism, (ii) how they synthesize molecules required for their growth and carry out other life sustaining activities, (iii) how different pathways are integrated with each other and regulated in a coordinated fashion for overall health and well being of an organism and (iv) biochemical basis of different diseases due to defect or lack of enzymes catalysing one or more reactions involved in these pathways. That’s why study of metabolism is at the heart of biochemistry.

We have dealt with metabolic aspects of carbohydrates and lipids in this theory course. It consists of 14 units divided in 4 blocks. Each block contains 3-4 units which are based on a common theme. The first two blocks i.e. Block I and Block II deal with metabolism of carbohydrates. Block III and Block IV deal with metabolism of lipids.

Self Learning Material

BBCCT-109.pdf

Block 1 on Carbohydrate Metabolism I begins with general overview of metabolism and its salient features which explain simplicity in its complexity. It will also describe significance and role of different types of energy rich molecules such as ATP and reducing powers in metabolism. Units 2-3 describe various catabolic pathways of carbohydrates, their importance and regulation. These mainly explain breakdown of glucose and other monosaccharides.

Block 2 on Carbohydrates Metabolism II discusses anabolism of carbohydrates. It begins with synthesis of glucose from non carbohydrates sources (Unit 4). It is followed by metabolism of glycogen (Unit 5) and starch (Unit 6); the energy storing molecules of animals and plants, respectively. Unit 7 explains how the metabolic pathways described in Units 2-6 are interconnected and regulated in a coordinated fashion.

Block 3 on Lipid Metabolism I deals with metabolism of fatty acids formed after fat digestion. First unit of this block (Unit 8) begins with major pathways of fatty acid oxidation. Study of these pathways will make you understand why fats yield more energy as compared to carbohydrates. Many minor pathways for oxidation of fatty acids, formation of ketone bodies and their significance is described in Unit 9. Unit 10 explains the synthesis of fatty acids.

Block 4 on Lipid Metabolism II includes units on synthesis of complex lipids such as triacyl glycerides, cholesterol (Unit 11), and membrane lipids (Unit 12). How metabolic pathways of carbohydrates and lipids are integrated and co-ordinately regulated to meet the energy requirements of an organism is elaborated in Unit 13. Unit 14 briefly explains about different disease of lipid metabolism.

Expected Learning Outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • Explain metabolism and its salient features

  • Discuss about different form of energy currency such as ATP, NADP, FAD in living beings and their significance

  • Describe the pathways involved in catabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates and their regulation

  • Describe the pathways of lipid metabolism, their regulation and importance

  • Explain the integration of different metabolic pathways

If you have any query about this course, please feel free to Contact:

Dr. Seema Kalra

Course Coordinator, Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids (BBCCT-109 & BBCCL-110)

Assistant Professor in Biochemistry

Block-D, School of Sciences, Biochemistry Discipline

Email- seemakalra@ignou.ac.in