SL32025: Protein synthesis, folding, structure-function and turnover
[Page last updated: 15 May 2025]
Academic Year: | 2025/26 |
Owning Department/School: | Department of Life Sciences |
Credits: | 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits] |
Notional Study Hours: | 200 |
Level: | Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
Period: |
- Academic Year
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Assessment Summary: | CWRI 40%, EXCB 60% |
Assessment Detail: |
- Closed book written examination (EXCB 60%)
- Report Individual (CWRI 40%)
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Supplementary Assessment: |
- Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
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Requisites: |
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Learning Outcomes: |
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate your understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the translation of genetic information into proteins.
2. Describe the basic structure and function of prokaryotic ribosomal translation and explain at a molecular level the various ways antibiotics can interfere with this process.
3. Explain the principles of protein folding in pro- and eukaryotic systems.
4. Describe post-translational modifications and their link with protein folding.
5. Discuss the relationship between protein 3D structure and function.
6. Demonstrate a critical understanding of protein misfolding and the processes involved in protein degradation.
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Synopsis: | You will develop a detailed understanding of the life cycle of proteins at a molecular level from their synthesis, by ribosomes, through the processes involved in their three-dimensional folding and the relationship between protein structure and function, and finally, the mechanisms involved in protein degradation.
You will conduct a bioinformatical analysis of a family of proteins involved in the process of protein synthesis.
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Content: | This unit will explore in detail the current understanding of how proteins are produced and processed in pro- and eukaryotic systems, and how protein structure relates to their function. The molecular mechanisms underpinning the translation of genetic information into proteins, how proteins fold and are post-translationally modified, and their 3D structure will be covered. The impact of these processes on clinical scenarios will include a critical consideration of antibiotic actions on prokaryotic ribosomal systems and the consequences of protein misfolding and aberrant degradation in disease states.
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Course availability: |
SL32025 is Compulsory on the following courses:
Department of Chemistry
- USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry) (Year 3)
- USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Environmental Science) (Year 3)
- USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology) (Year 3)
- USSC-AAB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USSC-AKB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Year long work placement (Year 4)
- USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Biochemistry stream) (Year 3)
- USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Environmental Science with Biochemistry) (Year 3)
- USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Pharmacology with Biochemistry) (Year 3)
- USSC-AAB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Pharmacology with Biochemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USSC-AKB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Pharmacology with Biochemistry stream) with Year long work placement (Year 4)
- USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry) (Year 3)
- USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 4)
- USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology) (Year 3)
- USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 4)
- USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Biochemistry) (Year 3)
- USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Biochemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Biochemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 4)
Department of Life Sciences
- USSL-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 3)
- USSL-AKB01 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Year 4)
- USSL-AFM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 3)
- USSL-AKM01 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Year 4)
SL32025 is Optional on the following courses:
Department of Chemistry
- USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Environmental Science) (Year 3)
- USSC-AAB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USSC-AKB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Year long work placement (Year 4)
- USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology) (Year 3)
- USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
Department of Life Sciences
- USSL-AFB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 3)
- USSL-AKB03 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 4)
- USSL-AFM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 3)
- USSL-AKM03 : MBioMed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 4)
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Notes: - This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2025/26 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2026/27 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2025/26.
- 好色tv and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
- Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
- Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.
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