Learning objectives
Knowledge of the fundamental properties of the biological macromolecules and of their structural- functional relationship. Knowledge of the processes of degradation and biosynthesis of the main classes of biomolecules, of 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 reactions, reaction rate). The student will be able to autonomously apply these knowledges to the study of others biological reactions and processes.
Prerequisites
To have acquired the necessary knowledges in the basic courses in Physics, Mthematics
General Chemistry and Organic 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
Horton, Moran, etc
Principi di Biochimica
Pearson
Teaching methods
classroom lectures
Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination
Other information
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