Cell Metabolism & Metabolic Control

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to maintain life. You will focus on the metabolic pathways in the cells of mammals, with some reference to microbes and plants. You will learn about diseases caused by defects in metabolism, such as diabetes, which will emphasise the importance of metabolic control.

To provide students with an understanding of the essential features of cellular metabolism, and the mechanisms through which metabolism is controlled. This will be achieved using specific examples and model situations to illustrate principal regulatory mechanisms. Diseases caused by defects in metabolism will be studied to emphasise the importance of metabolic control. The course will focus on mammalian systems, with some reference to plants and microbes.

Students will be able to:

• Describe the key features of cellular metabolism, including the central catabolic and anabolic pathways.
• Describe the main mechanisms through which metabolic processes are controlled, and explain how control occurs at multiple levels.
• Explain how different control mechanisms may be integrated to coordinate cell metabolism and function.
• Discuss how metabolism is coordinated in mammals, and how disturbances in metabolism contribute to disease.
• Critically evaluate contemporary research relating to metabolism and assess how scientific findings are communicated and interpreted in the media and wider society. 

1. Principles of metabolic control and control mechanisms

Overview of metabolism: functions and end-products, anabolism and catabolism, energy metabolism; concepts of metabolic control.

Control mechanisms: levels of control, isoenzymes, branched and linear pathways, allostery, control by covalent modification, control of enzyme level.

2. Regulation of core metabolism
Carbohydrate metabolism: long-term regulation of glucose utilisation, enzyme-level control of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, links to fatty acid metabolism, glycogen turnover, sugar interconversions and the citric acid cycle.

Lipid metabolism:  regulation of fat mobilisation, lipoprotein metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, lipid synthesis, links to glucose metabolism, ketones.

Amino acid metabolism: control of protein turnover, nitrogen handling, links to nucleic acid metabolism, amino acid oxidation, integration with citric acid cycle.

Metabolism in plants: starch/sugar metabolism and fermentation for biofuels, storage lipid biosynthesis: regulation and applications.

3. Integration and adaptation of metabolism
Metabolic states and signals, tissue cooperation, adaptation of metabolism to physiological/pathological situations (feeding-starvation, diabetes, obesity).

eLearning Activity

• Online multiple-choice quizzes aligned to the unit content, enabling students to check their understanding and monitor their progress throughout the course.
• Discussion boards (Padlet) will be open for each topic to encourage dialogue between students and teaching staff. 

• Coursework (30%). Group-based written coursework. Students submit an individual news article/paper selection and share these with their group. Groups select one news story and primary research paper for further analysis. The activity supports engagement with primary literature, interpretation of experimental evidence, and critical evaluation of contemporary scientific claims.
• Written examination (70%). On campus exam taken at the end of the unit. Answer one essay question from a choice.

• Formative feedback through online self‑test multiple‑choice quizzes and opportunities for discussion during on‑campus sessions and via the course Padlet.
• Written feedback will be provided on both the individual submission and the final group coursework submission using detailed marking rubrics aligned to the assessment criteria.  
• Additional formative feedback is provided during a dedicated exam preparation session through discussion of exemplar answers, application of marking criteria, and guidance on improving exam technique. 
   

1. Nelson, DL & Cox, MM, Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry (8th edition), Macmillan International, 2021, Essential  
2. Frayn, KF, Metabolic Regulation: A Human Perspective (3rd edition), Portland Press, 2010, Optional 
3. Review articles and commentaries as recommended by the lecturers.

Study hours and assessment methods are to be confirmed before the start of term