• Dr. M. Abdul Kareem

Dear learners, welcome to the M.Sc in, BIOCHEMISTRY programme. This program has been designed keeping in the view of national education policy 2020 and the growing demand for this interdisciplinary subject.
Welcome to "Exploring the Concepts of Biochemistry"! This self-learning material serves as your gateway to the captivating world of biochemistry, offering a comprehensive introduction to the essential principles that govern the chemistry of life. Biochemistry, at its core, delves into the intricate molecular processes that underpin biological systems. From the metabolic pathways fuelling cellular functions to the structure and function of biomolecules like proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This field provides the foundation for understanding life at its most fundamental level.
This course will enable you to understand the basics of BIOCHEMISTRY where, you will be studying the structure, functions and important biochemical reactions of biomolecules. Since biomolecules are crucial in maintaining the life, understanding, biomolecules will help to explore the concepts of health and disease status. Not only that the interaction among these molecules are responsible for several metabolic reactions that help in digestion, production of energy and synthesis of desired biomolecules.
This course is divided into two volumes, where each volume consists of two blocks, and a total of 14 units. The first block of this course is named as Basics of Biochemistry. This block consist of a total of four units where the first unit will give you an overview of history of biochemistry along with discussion on interdisciplinary nature, of biochemistry. The second half of this unit is dedicated to discuss the structure and properties of water. This unit also explains about various unique properties of water that makes water as a universal solvent. The second and third units of this block describes about basic aspects of carbohydrates along with diversity of carbohydrates with regard to its structure and classification. The 4thunit of this block is dedicated to glyco biology where you will be experiencing about various derivatives of carbohydrates and their significance with regard to the maintenance of life.
Block two of this course consist of three units and is totally dedicated to lipids. We all know that lipids not only serves as energy reserve molecules but also play a crucial role in the membrane lipids, formation of hormones and as plant steroids.
The third block of the course speaks extensively about proteins.As you have studied in your lower classes. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. These proteins perform several biological functions, ranging from structural components, enzymes and as hormones. There are a total of four units in this block, where one unit is dedicated to describe the amino acids and peptides. The unit nine and ten of this block narrates the structure and diverse functions exhibited by secondary, tertiary and quaternary forms of proteins. The last unit of this block that is unit 11 focused on protein purification where you will be studying about various techniques applied for extraction and isolation of proteins.
The last block of this course is on nucleic acids and vitamins. There are a total of three units that describes unique properties of nucleic acids. Also the structural and functional diversity among nucleic acids. The second unit of this block explains about characterisation of nucleic acids where you will be studying, some routinely used techniques for the sequencing of nucleic acids. The last unit of this course is dedicated to vitamins where you will be studying about structure, function and deficiency symptoms of vitamins.

• Dr. Arvind Kuamr Shakya

Welcome to the Cell and Molecular Biology (MBC-002) course. This is the first-semester core course of the M.Sc. Biochemistry programme (MSCBCH). It is a theory course with 4 credits. Cell and Molecular Biology is one of the subjects of biochemistry that explores the complex mechanisms underlying life at the cellular and molecular levels. This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the world of biological cells at the molecular level, laying a solid foundation for your academic journey in M.Sc. Biochemistry. Throughout this course, you will delve into the fundamental principles and processes that govern life at the molecular level. From the structure and function of cells to the molecular mechanisms underlying essential life processes, you will explore the dynamic and interconnected world within living organisms. With the advancement of modern science, Cell and Molecular Biology has evolved into a cornerstone subject of Biochemistry, representing a vital nexus between the intricate molecular mechanisms governing life and the broader realm of biological sciences. This course serves as a comprehensive exploration of the molecular intricacies that form the basis of life, serving as a crucial foundation for advanced studies in system biology, medicine, metabolism, bioinformatics, and related fields. This course not only provides knowledge, but also fosters a deep understanding of the molecular basis of life.
This theory course consists of four blocks which contain sixteen Units. Each block contains 4 units. The block I deals with the structural organisation of cells. It discusses the structure and function of sub-cellular organelles and cytoskeleton proteins- microtubules (Unit 1), extracellular matrix and cell junctions (Unit 2), cell cycle and cell death (Unit 3) and cellular transport (Unit 4). Block II is the molecular biology in which the gene and genome (Unit 5), nucleosome and chromatin (Unit 6), DNA replication (Unit 7) and DNA binding protein motifs (Unit 8) are discussed. Block III is on Transcription and Translation. The detailed process of mRNA synthesis from DNA (transcription), essential enzymes in prokaryotes (Unit 9) and eukaryotes (Unit 10) are described. The genetic code (Unit 11) and the mechanism of translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (Unit 12) are discussed. Block IV is the gene regulation which talks about DNA mutation and repair (Unit 13), Gene regulation in prokaryotes (Unit 14) and Gene regulation in eukaryotes I-II (Units 15-16).
This course is being offered at the first semester and will build up foundation for the other courses which you will study in the other semesters. The main goal of this course is to cultivate a mindset of critical thinking and curiosity regarding the intricacies of cell and molecular biology. Throughout the course, we encourage students to question, analyze, and connect concepts, promoting a proactive engagement with the study material. Each unit in the course contains expected learning outcomes, text summary and self assessment.
questions. You are expected to spend a total of about 120 hours for completing this course. This is the average time which is to be spent by a learner on studying the course material, doing self-assessment questions given in the blocks and the assignment, attending counselling sessions, watching the audio-video programmes and participating in IRC/teleconferencing sessions related to this course.

• Prof. Parvesh Bubber
• Dr. Arvind Kuamr Shakya

Dear Learners,
Welcome to the Bioanalytical Techniques (MBC-003), a 4 credit core course of the M.Sc. Biochemistry programme (MSCBCH). In Biochemistry, scientists/researchers use many kinds of laboratory techniques to study the structure, biochemical reactions and functions of biomolecules within living organisms. Hence, you should understand the principles and techniques involved in laboratory investigation of biological sample. Therefore, the main aim of this course is to give basic ideas about how biomolecules are analysed by instrumentation. It also involves in understanding of the basic theory and applications of biotechniques such as centrifugation, spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrophoresis, blotting and Radioisotopic techniques etc. These techniques are fundamental tools to identify and characterize proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biological molecules in the biochemical and molecular biology research that are used for the separation, identification, and analysis of biomolecules. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of these techniques, along with practical usage. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience, our learners will develop the skills necessary for performing experimental work using laboratory equipments.
Course Description The course is divided into four blocks (1-13 units):
Block I: Biophysical Techniques I Unit 1: Solutions and Reagents Unit 2: Cell Disruption and Extraction Unit 3: Centrifugation
Unit 4: Spectroscopy I
This first block covers fundamental knowledge essential for biochemistry students, including the preparation of molar, normal, and percentage solutions, cell extraction and centrifugation methods as well as spectrophotometric technique for analysis of biomolecules.
Block II: Biophysical Techniques II
Unit 5: Spectroscopy II Unit 6: Optical Microscopy Unit 7: Electron Microscopy
These units focus on the principles, instrumentation, and applications of advanced spectrophotometry, as well as microscopic techniques essential for structural measurements and visualization of biological components respectively.
Block III: Chromatographic Techniques Unit 8: Chromatography
Unit 9: Column Chromatography Unit 10: Advanced Chromatography
This block deals with the chromatographic techniques which are widely used in separation of protein, lipids, nucleic acids, micronutrients and plant metabolites. You will learn the principles, instrumentation, operational procedures and analytical applications of various chromatographic techniques, including Gas liquid chromatography (GLC), HPLC, affinity chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) as well as their relevance.
Block IV: Electrophoresis and Radioisotopic Techniques Unit 11: Electrophoresis Unit 12: Blotting and Probing Techniques Unit 13: Radioisotopic Techniques.
This block deals with the principles, theories, and applications of electrophoresis, blotting and probing techniques, and the use of radioisotopes in biochemical and molecular research. These techniques are crucial for the separation, purification and identification of DNA, RNA and proteins as well as for the study of molecular mechanism of biological processes.
A sound understanding of the basic principle, working and applications of bioanalytical techniques is must for our learners undergoing master degree in biochemistry. This course will help you to learn about the techniques and their functioning such as centrifuges, spectrophotometer, HPLC, LC-MS, electrophoresis etc. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to question, analyze, and connect concepts to foster proactive engagement with the study material.
By the end of this course, learners shall be well-prepared to apply the skilful use of bioanalytical techniques in research and academic teaching and to contribute for the advancements in the field of biochemistry. Each unit in the course contains expected learning outcomes, text summary and self assessment questions. You are advised to attempt all the self assessment and terminal questions given in this block as they help in understanding important concepts of analytical techniques. You are also advised for attending counseling sessions, watching the audio-video programme and participating in IRC/teleconferencing session related to this course.
Expected Learning Outcomes:After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Dr. M. Abdul Kareem
• Dr. Arvind Kuamr Shakya

This laboratory course is of 4 credits. In this lab course, you will be introduced to the basic requirements of biochemistry lab and also study about concepts of various qualitative and quantitative tests routinely performed in a biochemistry lab.
You are aware that this lab course is designed in connection with theory courses of first semester of MSCBCH where you have studied structure, classification and functions of biomolecules. Hence, in this lab course we have developed experiments that will give you an opportunity to understand the biochemical properties of biomolecules discussed in first semester courses.
In this lab course we have included 21 experiments, where both qualitative and quantitative experiments are given. This course will help you in acquiring essential skills and concepts in performing qualitative and quantitative tests.
Expected Learning Outcomes:
The broad objectives of this course are to enable you to:

• distinguish qualitative and quantitative experiments;
• perform qualitative analysis of biomolecules;
• isolation of starch/glycogen from biological sources;
• perform titrations and plot graphs;
• know the basic principles behind qualitative and quantitative tests;
• distinguish different types of biomolecules in a given test solution; and
• determine the purity of a given nucleic acid solution.
• impart skills related to usage of microscope;
• perform staining different blood cells and differentiate between them;
• separate amino acids using chromatography principles;
• setup electrophoresis apparatus for separation of proteins nucleic acids;
• Isolate total phenolic contents chlorophylls from plant samples; and
• demonstrate hill reaction.
Study guide
We advise you to go through respective courses before you come to attend the practical sessions. This will enable you to easily understand the purpose of doing experiments and their applications. You should also read the principles of each experiment of this course along with procedure before you start performing the experiment. It is always good to prepare all the reagents freshly and store them under prearranged storage conditions. Adhere to all the safety measures and follow the safety instructions while handling the reagents.
One of the good laboratory practices is to maintain your log books up-to-date i.e., enter the observations made while performing the experiments. Carry this laboratory manual and your log book during lab sessions.
Assessment of the experiments will be graded and you will have to appear for the viva-voce at the end of the practical session. At the end of the laboratory session you should perform the assigned experiment, which will be graded and final assessment will be made based on the continuous performance during the laboratory sessions, maintenance of log books and records followed by viva-voce.

We wish you best in this endeavor!!

• Prof. Parvesh Bubber

Enzymes are biological catalysts that catalyze biochemical reactions in the living organisms. Studies on enzymes are essential to understand their vital role in metabolic processes of living organisms. This course is intended to give a reasonably detailed account of various theoretical and applied aspects of the enzymes. We have also attempted to highlight new developments related to the application of enzymes.
This course is mainly for the students taking master degree courses with substantial biochemistry component. However, it is of immense value to students from other science backgrounds such as chemistry and life sciences. This course is written to meet the aspirations of distance learners firmly in mind.
Enzyme molecules are typically proteins, though some RNA molecules exhibit catalytic activity. Without the presence of non-protein component known as cofactor, enzymes lack catalytic activity. They are highly specific to the substrates and convert them into products. They are active only in certain range of temperature and pH. Enzymes can also be extracted and purified from several sources. They catalyze a wide range of commercially important processes. They also play a key role in analytical devices and enzyme assays have clinical, forensic and environmental applications.
We have attempted to define most of the scientific terms. They have been placed in context when they first appear. We have tried to deal comprehensively with the concept of classification of enzymes, nature of catalysis, kinetics, structures and mechanism of enzymes.
In the first block Block-1, the concept of enzymes has been introduced to the learners (Unit-1). Sections on nomenclature of enzymes are further subdivided into subclasses of enzymes. The concept of activation energy and thermodynamics has been also dealt with in the unit. Fischer’s lock and key hypothesis as well as Koshland’s theories of catalysis has been discussed in the Unit-2. Several factors affecting the enzyme activity are also discussed in the Unit-2. The principle, theories and their role in explaining the mechanism of catalysis are described in the following unit (Unit-3).
Enzyme kinetics in the second block of this course also involves a basic level of mathematics and some of the equations which are derived may seem complicated at first sight. The derivation of the equations on enzyme kinetics are based on the biochemical assumptions and then followed on logical reasoning and analysis. The kinetics of mono substrate and bisubstrate reactions has been described in Unit-4 and Unit-5 respectively. The derivation of MichaelisMenten equation has been described in the Unit-4. Several methods of plotting enzyme kinetic data such as Lineweaver-Burk, Hanes-Woolf, Woolf-Augustinsson-Hofstee, Eadie-Scatchard; Direct linear plot have been discussed in the unit. Unit-6 is mainly concerned with the inhibition of single substrate reactions obeying Michaelis Menten kinetics.
Regulation of enzyme activity has been addressed in Block-3. Enzymes can be regulated by several methods to control enzyme activity to coordinate the different metabolic processes. It is also important to maintain cellular homeostasis i.e. to maintain the internal environment of the organism constant. An enzyme’s catalytic activity can be directly controlled through structural alterations that control the enzyme’s substrate-binding affinity. Catalytic efficiency of enzymes is affected by several methods such as Allosteric regulation, Feedback inhibition, Proenzyme (zymogen) and Covalent modification. An overview of all these related mechanisms is given in Unit-7. Isozymes and multienzyme complexes have been dealt in Unit-8 and Unit-9 respectively.
Block-4 deals with extraction and purification of enzymes. Application of enzymes and recent advances are also discussed individually in two separate units. The process of enzyme extraction and isolation involve obtaining enzymes from natural sources (such as microorganisms, plants, or animal tissues) and purifying them for various applications (Unit-10). Both the processes employ several steps to ensure that the enzyme is recovered in an active and usable form. Optimization of extraction and isolation methods enables researchers and industries to produce high-quality enzymes for use in various applications, including industrial processes, research, and pharmaceuticals (Unit-12). The concept of diagnostic enzymes has been given in the Unit-11. Advanced topics such as immobilized enzymes and enzyme engineering are covered in the Unit-13.

• Prof. Parvesh Bubber
• Dr. Seema Kalra

VOL. II: Proteins in the body are constantly synthesized and degraded, partially draining and refilling the cellular amino acid pools. The metabolism of amino acids involve a wide range of synthetic and degradative reactions by which amino acids are gathered and broken down to recover metabolic energy. Since amino acids contain element nitrogen, their chemical transformation is unique as it is different from metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. There is a dynamic pool of amino acids in the blood. Most of them are incorporated in proteins. Non-essential amino acids are synthesized in the body while essential amino acids are required in the diet. Tissues have continuous access to individual amino acids for the synthesis of proteins and essential amino acid derivatives, such as neurotransmitters. The amino acid pool also provides the liver with substrates for gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis. The free amino acid pool is derived from dietary amino acids and the proteolysis of body proteins.
The liver is the major site of amino acid metabolism in the body and the major site of urea synthesis. The liver is also the major site of amino acid degradation, and partially oxidizes most amino acids, converting the carbon skeleton to glucose, ketone bodies, or CO2. In liver, the urea cycle converts ammonia and the amino groups from amino acids to urea (see “Nitrogen > Urea Cycle” in the top menu), which is non-toxic, water-soluble, and easily excreted in the urine.
All nitrogen-containing compounds of the body are synthesized from amino acids - cellular proteins, hormones (e.g., thyroxine, epinephrine, insulin), neurotransmitters, creatine phosphate, heme in hemoglobin and cytochromes, melanin, purine and pyrimidine bases. Nucleic acid metabolism is the process by which nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are synthesized and degraded. Nearly all the cells can synthesize nucleotides de novo and from degradation products of nucleic acids. Nucleotides are also components of some of the central cofactors of metabolism.
In the third block, (Block 3) an overview of amino acid metabolism is given in Unit-8. The fate of amino acids derived from proteins are discussed in the unit. Sections on catabolism of amino acids as well as their classification based on the fate of carbon skeleton are discussed in Unit-9. Inborn errors of metabolism like defects in amino acid metabolism are also described in the unit. Unit-10 deals specifically with the biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids as well as their regulation with a schematic representation of metabolic pathways.
The fourth block addresses biosynthesis and catabolism of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides. Step wise description of key steps involved in the de novo synthesis of purine and pyrimidne nucleotides both by de novo and salvage pathways is given in Unit-11. Learners can also understand regulation of nucleotide biosynthesis explained elaborately in these units. Unit-12 underlies importance of nucleotide containing coenzymes. Unit 13 of the course highlights the degradation of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides along with disorders of nucleotide metabolism. Learners can understand integration of amino acid metabolism in Unit-14 in which organ specific metabolic profile is covered subsequently.

• Dr. Maneesha Pandey

• Dr. Maneesha Pandey
• Dr. Seema Kalra

Dear learners, welcome to the practical sessions of Biochemistry Lab (MBCL-002). The lab exercises and experiments provided in this manual are based on the syllabus that you have studied in the First year of M.Sc. Biochemistry. The concepts that you have studied in theory course will be experienced while performing these lab experiments.
This lab course is worth 4 Credits and consists of eighteen laboratory experiments. The experiments are designed in such a way that you shall be able to experience and connect the theoretical concepts explained so far. Here also the basic concepts on which the experimental procedures are based have been discussed as required.
We advise you to read the principles of each experiment of this course along with procedure before you start performing the experiment. It is always good to prepare all the reagents freshly and store them under prearranged storage conditions. Adhere to all the safety measures and follow the safety instructions while handling the reagents. One of the good laboratory practices is to maintain your log books up-to-date i.e., enter the observations made while performing the experiments. Carry this laboratory manual and your log book during lab sessions.
Like all other IGNOU laboratory courses, this is an intensive residential exercise requiring one week for completing 4 credits. Everyday there will be two laboratory sessions of 4 hours each. So there will be a total of 28 sessions. The first session will be introductory and the remaining sessions will be based on the exercises given in the course. A schedule for laboratory exercises will be given to you in the first session. Sessions 1 to 26 shall have guided exercises under the supervision of the Academic Counsellor. The last two sessions i.e., 27th and 28th will be unguided sessions and that shall be the term end examination. In each session you shall perform exercises for 3 hours and in the remaining 1 hour you are advised to complete your practical note book. The laboratory notebook must be submitted to the counsellor for corrections and grading. 70% marks have been allocated for doing the experiments and for recording it properly. You are aware that there is a time constraint as you will have limited access to laboratory work; therefore, you are required not to miss any of the laboratory sessions.
Assessment of the experiments will be graded and you will have to appear for the viva-voce at the end of the practical session. At the end of the laboratory session you should perform the assigned experiment, which will be graded and final assessment will be made based on the continuous performance during the laboratory sessions, maintenance of log books and records followed by viva-voce. 30% marks are reserved for the assigned experiments.
For the better understanding of how to use laboratory apparatus few video links shall be provided where ever available. There might be a slight difference in the steps or procedure being explained in the video when compared to the procedure provided in this self-instructional material. However, the principles and reagents remain same. Hence, there is no need to worry about slight modifications adopted in the procedure.
We wish you best in this endeavour!!

• Dr. M. Abdul Kareem

Dear Learner’s, Welcome to core course BIOINFORMATICS AND BIOSTATISTICS.
This course is the first course of your third semester. In the previous semesters you have studied the concepts of biomolecules, cell and Molecular biology, enzymes, metabolisms, analytical techniques, and recombinant DNA technology. This course provides you an integrated understanding of bioinformatics, systems biology, and biostatistics, that are considered as essential pillars in modern biological research. Course is designed for in such way that it blends computational tools, certain principles of analytical techniques, and statistical reasoning to address biological questions in the era of big data. The course is structured into four comprehensive blocks:
Block 1: Introduction to Bioinformatics This block lays the foundation for the discipline of bioinformatics, exploring its emergence, scope, and applications across various scientific domains. Learners will gain familiarity with major biological databases, including protein, nucleotide, and specialized resources, as well as file formats used in storing biological data (FASTA, GenBank, FASTQ). This block also introduces essential bioinformatics resources and tools available on the web, enabling learners to efficiently access and interpret biological information. For better understanding of the concept’s leaners are advised to recollect the basic characteristic features of biomolecules especially amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. Also practice the practical exercises given in the lab manual MBCL-003.
Block 2: Analysis. Here, the focus shifts to computational analysis techniques. Learners will learn methods for pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, the statistical concepts underpinning alignment scores, and the application of heuristic algorithms like BLAST. The block covers phylogenetic analysis that includes from the tree construction to software-based visualization, and introduces secondary structure analysis tools and structural databases. By the end of this block, learners will be able to compare biological sequences, infer evolutionary relationships, and interpret protein structural data.
Block 3: Systems Biology. This block introduces the system-level approach to understanding biological processes. It covers experimental measurement technologies, modeling strategies for genetic networks, and methods for analyzing system behaviour. Learners will explore both bottom-up and top-down approaches, simulate biological systems, and study concepts such as robustness, modularity, and control. A special focus is given to computational models (Boolean, stochastic, kinetic logic) and the analysis of disease-associated gene expression matrices, providing insights into the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases. We believe that after going through this block learners will come up with innovative ideas for implementing the acquired knowledge of this course in designing their research or project works.
Block 4: Biostatistics. This is one of the significant blocks in this course and in the programme. As the skills and knowledge obtained in this course will help the learners to plan/design their research problems. This final block equips learners with the statistical tools necessary to design experiments, analyze data, and draw valid scientific conclusions. Units include descriptive and inferential statistics, probability theory, sampling methods, hypothesis testing, and advanced statistical tests (t-tests, chi-square, ANOVA). Practical applications in biological research are emphasized, ensuring that learners can confidently apply statistical reasoning to real-world datasets.

• Dr. Maneesha Pandey
• Dr. Seema Kalra

• Dr. Seema Kalra

Clinical Biochemistry is a core course of M.Sc. Biochemistry Programme (MSCBCH). It is being offered as the third Semester course. The theory course of Clinical Biochemistry (MBC-009) is of 4 credits.
Clinical Biochemistry deals with studies the biochemical aspects of health and disease. It involves analysing body fluids such as blood, urine or CSF and tissues to assess a patient's health, diagnose diseases, and monitor treatment effectiveness. This field utilizes various chemical, biochemical, and molecular techniques to measure the levels of different substances in the body. In this course we shall discuss the biochemical basis of various disease, their diagnosis and treatment.
We have divided the course into 4 blocks with different themes consisting of 14 units. Each block contains 3-5 units which are based on a common theme. Block I deals with collection and analysis of biological samples. Block II includes metabolic disorders of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleic acids. Block III covers the organ function tests and Block IV deals additional topics as other diseases.
Block 1 on ‘Biological sample collection and analysis’ begins with Unit 1 that provides an overview of autoanalysers and their role in biochemical testing. Many hazardous chemicals are used in the lab, therefore, their safe handling and provision of first aid in case of any exposure will be discussed. Units 2 explains use of different samples, their collection and safe management. Unit 3 describe the diagnostic importance of marker enzymes and therapeutic enzymes in a sample. It also highlights the principle of their determination and which disease they indicate. Unit 4 includes explanation of parameters used in blood analysis and their diagnostic importance. Unit 5 is related to role of electrolytes and acid-base balance in health and disease.
Block 2 on ‘Metabolic disorders’ include clinical conditions that arise because of deficiency of one or more enzymes catalyzing the metabolic pathways of macronutrients. First unit of this block (Unit 6) begins with how glucose homeostasis is maintained; followed by explanation of the cause, symptoms and diagnostic tests for disorders of carbohydrate metabolism such as galactosemia, glycogen storage diseases and many more. Unit 7 summarizes metabolism of lipoproteins and explains the cause, symptoms and diagnostic tests for disorders of lipid metabolism while unit 8 explains these aspects with relation to amino acid and nucleotide metabolism. Block 3 titled ‘Organ function tests’ consist of three units. These units deal with the enzymes and metabolites that help assess the function of liver (Unit 9), kidney (Unit 10) and cardiovascular system (Unit 11).
Block 4 about ‘Other diseases’ explains the symptoms, diagnosis and management of diseases at system level. Unit 12 discusses about obesity, alcoholism, fatty liver, that are rooted in life style. Unit 13 explains the characteristics of cancer, their diagnosis using biochemical parameters and marker proteins. Unit 14 describes the diseases that occur because of hormonal imbalance and result in overall deterioration of health.
The structural outline in the beginning of each unit is a road map to the unit. The mentioned expected learning outcomes reflect the teaching and learning approaches. The running text describes and illustrates basics and concepts in a concise, learner friendly and interesting manner. It is supported by suitable figures, and tables to enrich the concept of the unit. The key features and concepts have been highlighted. A variety of teaching and learning approaches such as an inbuilt self-assessment exercises and terminal questions along with answers provided at the end of each unit will support the learners to evaluate and meet the expected learning outcomes of the given self-learning material.

• Prof. Parvesh Bubber
• Dr. Arvind Kuamr Shakya

• Prof. Parvesh Bubber
• Dr. Maneesha Pandey

• Dr. M. Abdul Kareem
• Dr. Maneesha Pandey

• Dr. Maneesha Pandey

• Dr. M. Abdul Kareem
• Dr. Arvind Kuamr Shakya

• Dr. M. Abdul Kareem
• Dr. Seema Kalra

Dear learners, welcome to the Microbiology course (MBCE-014). This is one of the elective courses (4 credits) of the M.Sc. Biochemistry programme (MSCBCH).
Microbiology is the scientific discipline that focusses on the study of microorganisms. It is also interrelated subject with other scientific disciplines, including biochemistry. The purpose of this course is to offer an extensive understanding of microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa and non-cellular organism like viruses, viroids and prions. While many microbes are notoriously known to affect world population causing diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, hepatitis, AIDS, COVID-19 and SARS etc. There are others that find immense application in production of therapeutic products and other useful products in food and environmental iductry. Therefore, the basic and applied knowledge of microbes is crucial for improving the health of mankind.
Students studying of biochemistry have the opportunity to learn about the molecular mechanisms through which pathogens cause diseases by evading immune systems. This helps in the development of treatment drugs or vaccine. A thorough understanding of microbiology gives biochemistry students a comprehensive perspective on life at the molecular level. Therefore, integrating microbiology into the biochemistry curriculum is essential for fostering a advanced scientific education at master level.
The basic aspects of microbiology are covered in four blocks comprising of total 15 units.
Block I: History of Microbiology and Microbial Classification This block includes four units (1-4) and deals with the history of microbiology and the taxonomy of microorganisms. Unit 1 History of Microbiology explores the historical background of microbiology, major discoveries, and important contributions made by early scientists and germ theory of diseases. Unit 2 and Unit 3 deal with microbial Taxonomy and methods of characterization in microbial taxonomy. Taxonomy and classification system of bacteriology, the basic understanding of the phylogeny and molecular characterization of microorganisms are discussed. Unit 4 focuses on diversity of the Microbial World. You will be studying the general characteristics of the microbes, including bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, viruses, virusoids, viroids, and prions.
Block II: Microbial Techniques This block also comprises of four units (5-8) and is dedicated to microbial techniques which play pivotal roles in the experimental study of microorganisms. Unit 5 is the Sterilization Techniques and Control of Microorganisms. It focuses on the different culture media and nutrients for bacterial growth and the basics of sterilization techniques. Unit 6 has discussion about isolation, cultivation and storage of Microbes. Units 7 deals with stains and staining techniques wherein you will learn the different types of staining techniques such as gram staining use to visualize microbes and their cellular components. Unit 8 is dedicated to instrument in microbiology, providing fundamental knowledge about different stains and bacterial staining methods, as well as the basic principles and applications of equipment applied for the study of microorganisms.
Block III: Microbial Interactions This block includes four units (9-12). You will be studying the different types of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. In Unit 9 you will learn about diseases causing microorganisms. It discusses the various mechanisms employed by bacteria and viruses to cause a disease. Unit 10 explores the immune response of host to microbes, covering innate and acquired immune mechanisms, the role of immune cells, and various protective mechanisms of host resistance against pathogens. Unit 11 Evasion Strategies of Microbial Pathogens describes the strategies utilized by microbial pathogens to evade host defences. Unit 12 explains different biological agents such as antibiotics, growth factor analogs and their mechanisms of action for control of microbial growth. Methods used for evaluation of their antimicrobial efficacy are also discussed.
Block IV: Interaction of Microbes with Environment This block comprises three units (13-15) and focuses on the interaction of microbes with the environment. Unit 13 deals with different ways in which microbes interact with the host and environmental habitats, some of which may be beneficial while others may be harmful. Unit 14 is dedicated to clinical microbiology. It discusses about various methods used for microbial characterization and identification in a clinical lab. Unit 15 focuses on the applications of microbiology, discussing the significance of microbes in health and disease, and their various applications in medicine, agriculture, vaccine production, environmental cleanup and industrial use.
By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation in microbiology, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and application of microbiology. The knowledge of microbiology subject will prepare you for advanced studies and careers in the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, environmental science, and related fields like pathology and immunology. Each unit in the course comprises of expected learning outcomes, text summary and self-assessment questions and answers. You are advised to attempt all the self-assessment and terminal questions given in this block as they help in understanding important concepts of microbiology and microbial techniques. You are also advised for attending counselling sessions, watching the audio-video programme and participating in IRC/teleconferencing session related to this course.

• Prof. Parvesh Bubber
• Dr. Maneesha Pandey

• Dr. Seema Kalra

• Dr. Arvind Kuamr Shakya