Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title From Genes to Proteins
Code LIFE201
Coordinator Dr BR Barraclough
Biochemistry
Brb@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE101  

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 25
Lectures to introduce and discuss key concepts
        11
Revision workshops, assessment information and feedback, drop-in sessions
36
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
  		           
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours  Semester 1  80  Yes    Written Exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  4 hours  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Coursework Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be Short answer questions Assessment 2 will be objective assessments (e.g. multiple choice and extended matching questions)  

Aims
  • This module aims to develop in students:
     
    Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms involved in gene expression and 

    how these mechanisms are regulated in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;

  • The ability to explain how post-translational modifications modify protein structu re and function;

  • The ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in genetics.

    		•

    Learning Outcomes
    To explain the processes of transcription and translation and their regulation, the differences between them in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and how these are affected in disease.
    To elucidate the post-translational events in eukaryotic cells, and how these produce a final functional protein from a primary translation product.
    To evaluate the techniques used to investigate the processes of transcription and translation.
    To demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of gene expression, and how this knowledge has been applied to solve problems in genetics.

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture - Lectures to introduce and discuss key concepts

    This refers to timetabled lectures

    Formative Feedback (e.g. peer, revision sessions) - Revision workshops, assessment information and feedback, drop-in sessions

    Syllabus
    1 

    Lecture: Introduction to the module.  Basic knowledge required. Information on in-course assessments.


    Transcription in prokaryotic systems.
      Key concepts: Transcription versus Translation.  Control of prokaryotic gene expression by regulatory proteins. RNA-mediated regulation of prokaryotic gene expression. Small RNAs.
    Transcription and mRNA processing in eukaryotes.
    Transcription in eukaryotes. General features of transcription in eukaryotes. The eukaryotic transcriptome.  Chromatin and histones. RNA polymerase structure and function.  The initiation of transcription, role of general transcription factors and the core promoter. The Regulation of Transcription I:  Promoter and enhancer elements.  Key features of transcription factors.  The Regulation of Transcription II: Activation domains and mechanisms, modulation of activity, syner gy. The analysis of protein - nucleic acid interactions; gel shift, footprinting, ChIP - data analysis. mRNA processing: The 5’- cap, polyadenylation, splicing, alternative splicing, and mRNA export.  RNA degradation: Role of the poly(A) tail and 5''cap, the link with translation.  Compare and contrast transcription and its regulation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
     
     
    The mechanism of translation of mRNA in prokaryotes.
    The genetic code and tRNA adaptor molecules, nature and deciphering of the genetic code, features of the code and effect of mutation, tRNA structural features, tRNA charging, tRNA function, proof-reading.
     
    Protein synthesis in prokaryotes - general features. Ribosome structure. Initiation and role of protein factors, elongation and role of protein factors, Termination and role of protein factors.
     
    Translation of bacteriophage MS2 RNA. An example of post-transcriptional control of translation.
     
    Translation of mRNA and production of fully formed proteins in eukaryotes.
    Major differences in protein synthesis between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
     
    Synthesis of extracellular proteins; signal sequence mechanism, translocation, disulphide bond formation, proteolytic processing.
     
    Role of the secretory pathway in co-translational N-glycosylation and post-translational O-glycosylation of secreted and cell surface proteins.
     
    Heterogeneity in glycoprotein synth esis; consequences for biological processes, implications for medicine.
     
    Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.
    Which steps from gene to protein are subject to regulation?
     
    Changes in gene expression at transcription, including the importanc e of chromatin structure. microRNAs.  How cells express different genes in response to outside influences, heat shock, steroid hormones, and iron.
     
    Gene expression changes in disease.

    Regulation of gene expression in circadian clocks.


    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: