Undergraduate Course: Supercoiling in DNA and Chromatin (BICH10002)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Biological Sciences |
College |
College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
| Home subject area |
Biochemistry |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, DNA is constrained into topologically sealed loops or domains. Under these circumstances DNA can become overtwisted or undertwisted (supercoiled) as a consequence of the binding of structural proteins or the actions of particular enzymes or enzyme complexes. Supercoiling can have profound effects on DNA structure, protein-DNA interactions, primary functions such as transcription and the regulation of the structural organisation of the genome during the cell cycle through the control of chromatin condensation. In this topic we shall consider how to describe the supercoiled state, the techniques available for measuring levels of supercoiling, the mechanisms by which the condition is regulated and the effects it has upon biological functions, particularly at the chromatin level in higher eukaryotes. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
Notepads. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
| Increased understanding of Biological processes. Detailed learning outcomes will be provided later. |
Assessment Information
| Exam |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords |
Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Jim Allan
Tel: (0131 6)50 5416
Email: J.Allan@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Vicky Mactaggart
Tel: (0131 6)51 7052
Email: Vicky.Mactaggart@ed.ac.uk |
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