授業の目的 【日本語】 Goals of the Course(JPN) | | あらゆる生命現象は進化の産物である。これは無機的な化学プロセスと生命現象が根本的に異なる点である。進化の原則は、反応機構そのものは進化とは無関係である個々の酵素反応にも当てはまる。特定の酵素とその生成物が存在する(または存在しない)という事実自体が、ある環境および生態系の下での自然淘汰の結果である。従って、生命の化学的多様性はその歴史の中で絶え間ない多様化と変遷を経験してきた。この集中講義では、いくつかの重要な生化学反応・経路の進化の軌跡を地球環境と関連付けながら解明し、今日の生化学を理解するための歴史的視点を提供する。 |
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授業の目的 【英語】 Goals of the Course | | Every life process is a product of evolution. This is a fundamental difference from abiotic chemical processes. This principle applies to individual enzymatic reactions, although the reaction mechanism itself is independent of evolution. The presence (or absence) of a specific enzyme with a specific product is a result of natural selection under a certain environmental and ecological setting. Hence, the chemical diversity of life has experienced incessant diversification throughout its history. This intensive course discusses the evolutionary trajectory of several important biochemical reactions and pathways in association with the Earth's environment and provides a historical perspective to understand biochemistry as it is today. |
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到達目標 【日本語】 Objectives of the Course(JPN)) | | 生化学を、地質学的時間スケールにおける生命と地球の共進化の産物として理解する視点を身につける。 |
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到達目標 【英語】 Objectives of the Course | | Students will acquire a perspective to understand biochemistry as a product of the co-evolution of life and Earth over the geological time scale. |
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授業の内容や構成 Course Content / Plan | | This course introduces the concept of 'evolutionary biochemistry', which has not yet been systematically investigated. Hence, the purpose of this course is not to provide established pieces of knowledge, but instead to describe several key factors that will be critical to understand and advance evolutionary biochemistry as an insightful future research field.
The major topics to be discussed in this course include: 1. Definition and range of biochemistry - biochemistry vs. geochemistry 2. Environmental settings for the evolution of biochemistry (Evolution of Earth) 3. Diversity of biochemistry in the three domains of life 4. Anaerobic biochemistry vs. aerobic biochemistry 5. Autotrophy vs. Heterotrophy 6. Case study - evolutionary trajectory of membrane lipid biosynthesis 7. Evolution of biochemistry in the Anthropocene |
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履修条件 Course Prerequisites | | |
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関連する科目 Related Courses | | |
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成績評価の方法と基準 Course Evaluation Method and Criteria | | The report relevant to the course contents will be used for evaluation. |
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教科書・テキスト Textbook | | |
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参考書 Reference Book | | Below are books for those who have general interests in the evolution of life and biomolecules. 1. Life in the Universe, 5th Edition. Jeffrey Bennett et al., 2022. Princeton University Press. 2. Echoes of Life. Susan M. Gaines, 2008. Oxford University Press. |
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課外学習等(授業時間外学習の指示) Study Load(Self-directed Learning Outside Course Hours) | | Students will be asked to submit a short report. |
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注意事項 Notice for Students | | This course is held in English. |
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他学科聴講の可否 Propriety of Other department student's attendance | | |
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他学科聴講の条件 Conditions of Other department student's attendance | | |
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レベル Level | | Undergraduate level understanding of chemistry and biology. |
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キーワード Keyword | | Biochemistry, evolution, Earth System, geobiology, astrobiology, biogeochemistry, membrane evolution. |
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履修の際のアドバイス Advice | | Please select a few biochemical reactions or metabolic pathways of your interest. They will be utilized in the course and the report. |
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授業開講形態等 Lecture format, etc. | | |
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遠隔授業(オンデマンド型)で行う場合の追加措置 Additional measures for remote class (on-demand class) | | |
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