IDENTIFYING DATA 2020_21
Subject (*) METABOLISM OF MICROORGANISMS Code 13214110
Study programme
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2009)
 Cycle 1st
Descriptors Credits Type Year Period
6 Compulsory Third 2Q
Language
Català
Department Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Coordinator
REGUANT MIRANDA, CRISTINA
 E-mail cristina.reguant@urv.cat
mjesus.torija@urv.cat
sandra.martin@urv.cat
Lecturers
REGUANT MIRANDA, CRISTINA
TORIJA MARTÍNEZ, MARÍA JESÚS
MARTÍN ESTEBAN, SANDRA
Web
General description and relevant information <b>Should there be a health emergency that requires the general public to be confined or which involves restricted mobility during the academic year, we shall attempt to adapt teaching and assessment. Should this situation arise, information about any changes will be given on the Moodle space for every subject.&nbsp;</b><div><br /></div><div>Know the wide range of metabolic possibilities of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, which cover all types of metabolism known on Earth, both in terms of possible sources of energy and sources of carbon and other elements such as nitrogen, as well as in its anabolic capabilities. </div>

Competences
Type A Code Competences Specific
 CE3 Have advanced knowledge of the biochemistry, kinetics, mechanisms and metabolism of enzymes.
 CE4 Understand organisms at molecular, cellular and metabolic level.
 CE8 Analyze and interpret data and experimental results in the scientific ambit.
 CE10 Appreciate the complexity and diversity of organisms through the study of their molecules, cells, physiological processes, genetics and evolution.
Type B Code Competences Transversal
Type C Code Competences Nuclear

Learning outcomes
Type A Code Learning outcomes
 CE3 Know and understand the regulation of the main metabolic pathways in mammals and acquire an integrative view of metabolism.
 CE4 Know the metabolic diversity of organisms.
 CE8 Know and understand the methodological and experimental approaches used for the study of metabolism and its regulation in the most representative groups of organisms.
 CE10 Know the metabolic diversity of organisms.
Type B Code Learning outcomes
Type C Code Learning outcomes

Contents
Topic Sub-topic
Introduction to the metabolism of microorganisms 1. Metabolic dynamics of unicellular microorganisms. Composition of prokaryotic cells: macromolecules, elements. Sources of carbon, nitrogen, others. Power source. Bases of energy metabolism: synthesis of ATP and reduction potentials. Metabolic diversity and main metabolic types.
Tipus de metabolismes 2. Types of phototrophic microorganisms. Oxygenic photoautrophy. Anoxygenic photoautrophy. Photoheterotrophy. Fototrophy of the archaea.
3. Quimiolitotrofisms. Use of hydrogen. Oxidation of ammonia and nitrite. Oxidation of sulfur and iron compounds. Chemotherapyheterotrophy or mixotrophy.
4. Meta-genic metabolism. Homoacetogenesis Diazotrophy: fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.
5. Anaerobic respiration. Reduction of nitrates or denitrification. Reduction of sulphates. Reduction of other electron acceptors.
6. Aerobic respiration. Diversity of substrates used for breathing. Decomposition of organic matter Incomplete oxidation of alcohols. Methroutrophy and methylotrophy. Oxidative degradation of xenobiotic compounds. Cometabolism Bioluminescence.
7. Fermentations: Main types of fermentation: alcoholic, lactic, propionic, acid-mixed, 2,3-butadiene, butyric, acetone-butanol, amino acids and others. Particular fermentations with ATPase.
Anabolism 8. Biosynthesis of primary metabolites. Central routes. Anabolism of sugars. Biosynthesis of amino acids. Biosynthesis of other metabolites.

Secondary metabolism 9. Routes and starting points of the various secondary metabolites.
Origin of metabolic diversity 10. Metabolic prehistory. Origin of life. Metabolic evolution of prokaryotes. Origin of eukaryotes.

Planning
Methodologies  ::  Tests
  Competences (*) Class hours
 Hours outside the classroom
 (**) Total hours
Introductory activities
1 0 1
Lecture
A3
A4
CE10
 30 45 75
Seminars
A4
A8
 15 22.5 37.5
Laboratory practicals
A4
A8
 15 7.5 22.5
Personal attention
1 0 1
 
Multiple-choice objective tests
CE3
CE4
CE10
 4 8 12
 
(*) On e-learning, hours of virtual attendance of the teacher.
(**) The information in the planning table is for guidance only and does not take into account the heterogeneity of the students.

Methodologies
Methodologies
  Description
Introductory activities General description of the objectives and contents to be developed in the subject.
Lecture Presentation of the contents of the subject in the classroom.
Seminars Presentation and work with students on the most relevant biotechnological applications of the different metabolisms of microorganisms.
Laboratory practicals Carry out biochemical and microbiological tests in the laboratory to characterize different types of microbial metabolisms.
Personal attention Resolution of doubts related to the subject.

Personalized attention
Description 
Time each teacher has reserved to attend and answer questions to students. Due to the health emergency, student care may be carried out through online meetings, at previously arranged times by email, or through other virtual tools.

Assessment
Methodologies Competences Description Weight        
Seminars
A4
A8
 Test about seminars contents.

Report about a microbial application. 		10%

10%
Laboratory practicals
A4
A8
 Preparation of a laboratory report. 10%
Multiple-choice objective tests
CE3
CE4
CE10
 Evaluation of the contents treated in the master classes:

Try first part

Try second part


35%

35%
Others  
 
Other comments and second exam session

Attendance at internships is mandatory. The notes of the practices and seminars will be maintained in the second call, if these parts of the subject are approved.

During the assessment tests, mobile phones, tablets and other devices not expressly authorized by the test must be switched off and out of sight.

The demonstratively fraudulent realization of some evaluative activity of some asignatura so much in material support as virtual and electronic carries to the student the note of suspense of this evaluative activity. Regardless of this, given the gravity of the facts, the center may propose the initiation of a disciplinary proceeding, which will be initiated by resolution of the rector.

Sources of information

Basic BROCK, T.D. & MADIGAN, M.T., Biology of microorganisms, 13th Edition. Prentice Hall, 2012
LENGELER, J.W., Drews. G., Schlegel, H.G, Biology of the Prokaryotes, Blackwell, Stuttgart, 1999

Complementary GOTTSCHALK, G., Bacterial metabolism, Springer Verlag, New York, 1986
MOAT AG, Foster JW, Spector MP, Microbial Physiology, 4th ed. Wiley-Liss, NY 2002
PARÉS, R., Juárez, A., Bioquímica de microorganismos, Reverté, Barcelona, 1997
WHITE, D., The physiology and biochemistry of prokaryotes, Oxford Univ. Press, 2000

 

 
Recommendations
(*)The teaching guide is the document in which the URV publishes the information about all its courses. It is a public document and cannot be modified. Only in exceptional cases can it be revised by the competent agent or duly revised so that it is in line with current legislation.