SPEX11-103: Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport

In this subject students will extend the knowledge and skills gained in earlier chemistry subjects to investigate the principal biomolecules (carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids), enzymes, and the bioenergetic basis of human metabolism (prior to, during and after exercise and training) through an examination of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways. This will include coverage of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, B-oxidation, as well as carbohydrate, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. In addition, the structure of a “gene” and regulation of its expression through transcriptional and translational processes will be examined. The subject will also enhance laboratory skills via use of experimental techniques such as spectrophotometry, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and western blotting.