Learning objectives
The module has as its formative aspective to provide a knowledge astructural and functional principles of molecules of biologicalinterest, and a general knowledge on fundamental metabolic pathways,their connexions and regulations.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
<br />Enzymes - Kinetics of enzymatic reactions. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km). Classification. Coenzymes. Isoenzymes. Competitive and non-competitive inhibition of enzyme activity. Allosteric enzymes.<br />Hemoglobin - Structure and function. An outline about synthesis and destruction.<br />Hormones - Overview and mechanisms of signal transduction.<br />Vitamins and coenzymes - Water-soluble vitamins: Thiamine (B1) - Riboflavin (B2) – Pyridoxine (B6) – Folic acid – Cobalamin (B12) – Biotin (H) – Pantothenic acid – Nicotinamide – Ascorbic acid. Lipid-soluble vitamins: Vitamin A – Vitamin D – Vitamin E – Vitamin K.<br />Coenzymes involved in hydrogen or electrons transfer & coenzymes involved in groups transfer.<br />Bioenergetics - Energy production and energy storage in the living cell. Some basic principles of bioenergetics. High-energy compounds.<br />Introduction to the metabolism - Catabolism. Anabolism. General aspects of metabolism regulation. Carbohydrates metabolism: digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Glyolysis. Synthesis and catabolism of glycogen. The pentose pathway. The Krebs citric acid cycle. Gluconeogenesis. Lipid metabolism: digestion and absorption of fat. Fatty acids b-oxidation. Synthesis and oxidation of ketone bodies. Biosynthesis of fatty acids. Structure and function of cholesterol. Amino acid metabolism: digestion of proteins and absorption of amino acids. Essential and non-essential aminoacids. Main reactions of amino acids: deamination and transamination. Fate of the amino group and ammonia. The urea cycle. Decarboxylation.<br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
<br />Teacher notes<br />Giuseppe Arienti. “Un compendio di Biochimica”; Piccin Editore.
Teaching methods
<br />oral lesson with slides<br />written tests (quiz)
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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