CHEM30270

The student will acquire an understanding of the three major classes of macrobiomolecules, i.e. proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, the nature of their structures, synthetic methodology and the role which they play in biological systems. Topics discussed include structures of proteins; peptide chemistry; solid phase peptide synthesis; protein synthesis via native chemical ligation; structures of monosaccharides; synthesis of oligosaccharides; structure of nucleic acids; synthesis of oligonucleotides. In addition students will gain an understanding of the chemistry of functioning of biomolecules in cellular and living systems. This will include an introduction to aspects of molecular recognition, enzyme mechanism and mechanisms of biologically catalysed reactions, interactions of biomolecules with each other and small molecules and the outcomes in biological systems, design of inhibitors of biological processes. Aspects will be illustrated with selected case studies (e.g. proteases, glycosidases, bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and inhibition). The module is directed towards students majoring in chemical biology and related disciplines.