4. Course Content Outline (Biochemistry-Focused Structure)
Module I: Molecular Foundations of Plant Biochemistry (Weeks 1–3)
- Chemical structure and biochemical properties of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids
- Enzyme structure, catalytic mechanisms, and kinetic regulation
- Thermodynamics and bioenergetics in plant cells
- Biochemical regulation of metabolic pathways
Module II: Biochemical Mechanisms of Photosynthetic Carbon Assimilation (Weeks 4–5)
- Photochemical reactions: electron transport chain and ATP/NADPH formation
- Calvin cycle enzyme reactions and carbon fixation biochemistry
- Biochemical regulation of RuBisCO and carbon metabolism
- Metabolic partitioning of assimilated carbon in horticultural crops
- Biochemical factors influencing photosynthetic efficiency
Module III: Cellular Respiration and Energy Metabolism in Plants (Weeks 6–7)
- Glycolysis: enzymatic steps and regulatory control points
- Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle reactions and intermediates
- Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
- ATP production efficiency and metabolic flux
- Respiratory metabolism in fruit development and post-harvest systems
- Midterm Examination
Module IV: Biochemical Responses to Abiotic Stress (Weeks 8–10)
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and detoxification pathways
- Antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic defense systems
- Osmolyte biosynthesis and stress-induced metabolic adjustments
- Biochemical markers of nutrient deficiency
- Metabolic adaptation to drought and heat stress
Module V: Secondary Metabolism and Phytochemical Biochemistry (Weeks 11–12)
- Biosynthetic pathways of alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids
- Enzymatic regulation of secondary metabolite production
- Biochemical basis of phytochemical diversity in horticultural crops
- Metabolites and crop quality (flavor, aroma, antioxidants)
Module VI: Applied Biochemical Analytical Techniques (Weeks 13–14)
- Principles of spectrophotometry and absorbance-based quantification
- Enzyme activity assays and kinetic analysis
- Pigment, sugar, and metabolite quantification methods
- Interpretation of biochemical data in crop systems
Week 15
- Comprehensive Review
- Final Examination