Molecular Microbial Science
| Numbering Code | G-AGR03 6CA17 LJ79 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Intensive, First semester | |
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| Number of Credits | 1 | Course Type | Lecture | |
| Target Year | 2nd year master's students | Target Student | ||
| Language | Japanese | Day/Period | Intensive | |
| Instructor name |
KURIHARA TATSUO (Institute for Chemical Research Professor) KAWAMOTO JUN (Institute for Chemical Research Associate Professor) TAKUYA OGAWA (Institute for Chemical Research Assistant Professor) |
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| Outline and Purpose of the Course | Microorganisms are found almost everywhere on Earth. Some of them adapt to extreme conditions such as high temperatures above 100 degrees and low temperatures close to 0 degrees. In this lecture, molecular basis of environmental adaptation of extremophilic microorganisms and their application will be introduced. The lecture will also deal with structures, functions, and reaction mechanisms of microbial enzymes. | |||
| Course Goals | Learn the basics of microbial science with a focus on environmental microbiology, and develop the ability to understand microorganisms from a chemistry perspective. | |||
| Schedule and Contents |
Topics covered include the following: 1. Characteristics and application of microorganisms in special environments The sessions will describe extremophilic microorganisms, such as thermophilic bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria, and halobacteria, as well as the characteristics of enzymes produced by these bacteria, and discuss the future prospects of their application in reference to specific examples. In addition, we will explain the functions of the biological membranes composed of lipid molecules, which play an important role in facilitating the environmental adaptation of microorganisms. 2. Metabolism of non-readily biogradable compounds in microorganisms The sessions will introduce students to examples of microorganisms that decompose non-readily biogradable compounds of human origin, and discuss the structures, functions, and catalytic mechanisms of relevant enzymes, as well as the current state of modifications of microorganisms using protein engineering and their applications. |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
Grading will be based on overall assessment of attendance and reports. Refer to current year's 'Guide to Degree Programs' for attainment levels of evaluation. |
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| Course Requirements | Basic knowledge in biochemistry and microbiology is required. | |||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | Students are encouraged to review course materials distributed in class. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | Handouts will be distributed. | ||
