? Credit Points : 10  ? SCQF Level : 10  ? Acronym : BIO-4-BIchrom

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.

? Pre-requisites : Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer.

? Costs : Notepads.

Home subject area

Biochemistry, (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 45 minutes per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type Day Start End Area Lecture Monday 14:00 15:50 KB

Increased understanding of Biological processes. Detailed learning outcomes will be provided later.

Exam

The Course Secretary should be the first point of contact for all enquiries.

Course Secretary

Miss Emma Farrell
Tel : (0131 6)50 5470
Email : e.farrell@ed.ac.uk

Course Organiser

Dr Jim Allan
Tel : (0131 6)50 5416
Email : J.Allan@ed.ac.uk

School Website : http://www.biology.ed.ac.uk/

College Website : http://www.scieng.ed.ac.uk/