Learning objectives
Knowledge:
The course has the purpose of providing the basic concepts essential to
undertake the study of the thermodynamic and biochemical mechanisms of
functioning of living organisms. In particular, highlight the synthetic strategies
that are put into practice in nature. It will also discuss the metabolic,
physiological and pharmaceutical role that these compounds exert in organisms
that produce them, or in organisms that come in contact with the molecules.
Understanding:
is treated the acquisition of a language formally correct, is stimulated their
ability to express the content in a clear and straightforward way, are highlighted
connections between different parts of the course and how they contribute to
the overall understanding of the system.
Application of knowledge:
the course provides the tools to interpret in a rational way the main
biological pathways that lead to the production of secondary metabolites. These
compounds are found only in specific organisms or groups of organisms and
are an expression of individuality of the species. Also encourages the
student's understanding of events that had previously been addressed only in a
phenomenological way.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Course unit content
The course aims to provide the fundamental concepts essential to undertake the
study of bioenergetics of living organisms. In this regard, in the first part of the
course the concepts of prebiotic chemistry and of biological homochirality are
taken into consideration. At the end of the first part we discuss the topic
concerning the possible hypothesis of the birth of life on earth. Subsequently, the
energy production mechanisms of heterotrophic organisms (both prokaryotic and
eukaryotic) and autotrophic (cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation) are
investigated. Particular references are dedicated to the thermodynamics of systems
far from equilibrium and to the production of high energy molecules, or group
transfer agents, which will be used in the metabolic phase of living organisms. To
better understand the processes described and to place them in an application
context, practical examples are discussed and discussed with the students where
these concepts are applied.
Full programme
Energy, work, order; conservation of energy and laws of thermodynamics; energy
flows in nature and in far from equilibrium systems. Evolution in biological systems;
prebiotic chemistry, biological homochirality, prokaryotes and eukaryotes, Notes on
the origins of life on earth. Catabolism. Redox reactions in the processes of
Glycolysis, Krebs cycle and Mitochondrial Respiration and electron transport chains
downhill in biological systems. Cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation and uphill
electron transport. Use of high-energy molecules in the Calvin cycle. Enzymes and
coenzymes; role of enzymes and coenzymes in biological catalysis;
Bibliography
D.N. Nicholls, S.J.Ferguson, Bioenergetics 3, Academic Press, London
D.N. Nicholls, S.J.Ferguson, Bioenergetics 3, Academic Press, London
Teaching methods
The course takes place within 24 hours of lectures. During the lessons,
students are guided to the understanding of the concepts of the
production of energy in living organisms (Bioenergetics.) Are then dealt with the
main metabolic pathways with the aim of understanding the functioning of
living organisms. During each set of topics, and at the end, are discussed practical
examples regarding the topics covered which are then discussed with the aim of
allowing the student to assess their level of understanding of the subject.
The student participation is requested to rationalize the principles that living
organisms use to produce the metabolites of their interest.
Assessment methods and criteria
During the course are scheduled sessions to verifiy the level of
understanding of the concepts that are treated and their ability to
assimilate them. In particular, it is evaluated as and if they are able to perceive
the concept by asking them specific questions that solicit their participation in
the definition of the topic in discussion(to check the ability to understand).
At the beginning or at the end of each specific topic, are scheduled tutorial
sessions where they are dealt with real situations and where are tested
students' ability to interpret and discuss concrete problems (ability to apply
knowledge in a context different from the theoretical part). The final exam consists
of a written test where a discussion on a bioenergetics topic is scheduled. The
student's ability to manage the topics and their degree of understanding of the
concepts used is evaluated. The vote will take into consideration all aspects.
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.
