Chapter 3 Syllabus

3.1 Enzymes
- Definition and properties of enzymes

3.1.1 Catalysis and activation energy
- Meaning of catalysis
- Lowering of activation energy by enzymes in a reaction

3.1.2 Mechanism of action and kinetics
- Lock-and-key model, affinity and Michaelis-Menten constant and Lineweaver-Burk plot

3.1.3 Cofactors: metalions activator, coenzymes and prosthetic groups
- Definition. examples and action

3.1.4 Inhibitors: competitive and non-competitive
- Definition, examples and action

3.1.5 Classification
- Major types according to IUB system: hydrolases, lyases, transferases, isomerases, ligases/synthetases, oxydoreductases; examples of reactions

3.1.6 Technology: enzyme immobilisation and biosensing
- Meaning and examples of uses

3.2 DNA and protein synthesis

3.2.1 DNA as genetic material
- Experiment of Avery and colleagues

3.2.2 Gene concept, one-gene-one-polypeptide hypothesis
- Experiment of Beadle and Tatum

3.2.3 DNA replication
- Experiment of Meselson and Stahl
- Process involved

3.2.4 Protein synthesis
- Transcription: processes of mRNA production
- Translation: processes of polypeptide production