Learning objectives
Knowledge of the fundamental properties of the biological
macromolecules, of the degradation and biosynthesis of the main classes
of biomolecules, the knowledge of the the mechanisms of biological
reaction and of their regulation, with particular attention to the
application of the fundamentals of the chemistry (i.g. reversible
reactions, redox potential, nucleophilic and electrophilic rections,
reaction rate).
Prerequisites
To have passed the exam of basic courses in Mathematics, Physics,
General Chemistry. Organic Chemistry and, possibly, Physical Chemistry
Course unit content
Properties of biomolecules: nucleotides and nucleic acids, carbohydrates,
lipids, aminoacids and proteins. Structure and function of proteins.
Biological membranes. Enzyme catalysis and kinetics. Introduction to the
metabolism: coenzymes, high energy bonds, redox potentials.
Catabolism of glucose. Metabolism of glycogen. Gluconeogenesis.
Tricarboxilic acids cicle and related rections. Electron transport, oxidative
phosphorilation and respiratory control. Photosynthesis. Lipid
metabolism: Fatty acids oxidation, keton bodies, fatty acids biosynthesi,
cholesterol. Metabolim of aminoacids: transamination reactions, urea
cycle, PLP-dependent reactions. Nucleotides metabolism: ex-novo purines
and pyrimidine biosinthesis.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Voet, Voet, Pratt, Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures and guided problem solving
Assessment methods and criteria
written and oral examination
Other information
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