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
Assessment methods and criteria
written and oral examination
Other information
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