Learning objectives
Aim of the course is the study of the main biological pathways that produce secondary metabolites. Their metabolic, physiological and pharmaceutical role will be discussed either in the producing organisms or in the receiving organisms
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Course unit content
<br />Module 1- <br />Energy, work, order; energy preservation and thermodynamic laws; energy fluxes in nature and in systems far from equilibrium. Evolution in biological systems; Prebiotic chemistry, biological homochirality, prokariotes and eukariotes, Catabolism, harvesting the light. Enzymes and coenzymes; role of enzymes and coenzymes in biological catalysis; vitamines.<br />Module 2- <br />Terpenes; biogenesis of terpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, natural rubber; squalene e phitoene, carotenoids, cicle of vision.<br />Steroids; biogenesis of steroids, squalene, lanosterol, cholesterol; corticosteroids, sexual hormones, bile salts; physiological role.<br />Fatty acids; biogenesis of saturated, monounsaturated, poliunsaturated fatty acis; Biogenesis of prostaglandines, tromboxanes, leukotrienes, lipoxines; physiological role.<br />Acetogenines; biogenesis of acetogenines, flavanoids.<br />Antibiotics; biogenesis and physiological role of the antibiotics; mechanisms of action of antibiotics.<br />Shikimic acid; biogenesis of the shikimic acid; aromatic ammino acids, tetracyclines.<br />Alcaloids; nomenclature, classification and biological role; biogenesis of selected compounds.
Full programme
Module 1- Energy, work, order; energy preservation and thermodynamic laws; energy fluxes in nature and in systems far from equilibrium. Evolution in biological systems; Prebiotic chemistry, biological homochirality, prokariotes and eukariotes, Catabolism, harvesting the light. Enzymes and coenzymes; role of enzymes and coenzymes in biological catalysis; vitamines. Module 2- Terpenes; biogenesis of terpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, natural rubber; squalene e phitoene, carotenoids, cicle of vision. Steroids; biogenesis of steroids, squalene, lanosterol, cholesterol; corticosteroids, sexual hormones, bile salts; physiological role. Fatty acids; biogenesis of saturated, monounsaturated, poliunsaturated fatty acis; Biogenesis of prostaglandines, tromboxanes, leukotrienes, lipoxines; physiological role. Acetogenines; biogenesis of acetogenines, flavanoids. Antibiotics; biogenesis and physiological role of the antibiotics; mechanisms of action of antibiotics. Shikimic acid; biogenesis of the shikimic acid; aromatic ammino acids, tetracyclines. Alcaloids; nomenclature, classification and biological role; biogenesis of selected compounds.
Bibliography
P. M. Dewick, Chemistry, biosyntesis and bioactivity of organic natural substances, Piccin, Padova
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination.
Other information
The educational material is provided to students at the beginning of the course.
The teacher remains with the students for clarification and discussion at the end of the lesson and is available to provide further explanation, by appointment.
