Content (Syllabus outline)
Introduction. Selected examples of microbial metabolism (fermentations, syntrophy, degradation of polymeric substrates). Microbial degradation of stable compounds (i.e oxidation of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, lignin, plastic), metanogenesis as an example of coupled catabolic and anabolic reactions derived from a common substrate. Different pathways of autotrophy (i.e. reductive citric acid cycle, serine and ribulose-5-phosphate pathway in methylotrophs…). Nitrogen fixation. Synthesis of cell wall in archea, eubacteria and fungi. Synthesis of cofactors, prosthetic groups and vitamins. Central metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of key metabolic intermediates, biosynthesis of cell polymers from key metabolic intermediates, basic regulation of catabolic and anabolic metabolic pathways.
Prerequisites
Attendance to the laboratory exercises, PBL (Problem based learning), and report presentations is obligatory. A passing grade in laboratory exercises, report and presentation of PBL project is a prerequisite for access to the exam.