BIOCHEMISTRY
cod. 21954

Academic year 2021/22
2° year of course - First semester
Professor
Thelma PERTINHEZ
Academic discipline
Biochimica (BIO/10)
Field
"struttura, funzione e metabolismo delle molecole d'interesse biologico"
Type of training activity
Basic
40 hours
of face-to-face activities
4 credits
hub: -
course unit
in ITALIAN

Integrated course unit module: BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Learning objectives

The course aims to enable the student to know and understand the macromolecules of biological interest. The student must understand and be able to describe:1) the structure of the molecules,2) how biological molecules interact and react,3) the functions performed by the molecules that make up the cell, seen as an elementary unit of living matter,3) fundamental aspects of cellular metabolism by locating the reactions’site within the cell.At the end of the course, the student have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding about the biological strategies and interdependence goals between the various phases of metabolism (anabolism, intermediate metabolism and catabolism). The student must acquire an overview of the cellular metabolic processes and their connection with energy consumption and production.The student must be able to apply the knowledge and comprehension skills acquired in carrying out its training activities.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

Course unit content

General biochemistry: The chemical and structural properties of the main macromolecules present in a cell.Metabolism: the main metabolic processes responsible for producing the energy necessary to keep the cell alive. Metabolic integration.

Full programme

Functions of proteins: transporters, defense and muscular contraction
Enzymes - Structure and classification of enzymes. Coenzymes. Enzyme-substrate interactions. Enzymatic kinetics. Mechanisms of enzymatic regulation.Introduction to metabolism - Anabolism and catabolism.Glucose Metabolism - Aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis. Gluconeogenesis. Cori cycle. Glycogen syntesis and glycogenolysis. Hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism.Lipid metabolism - Plasmatic lipoproteins. Lipolysis and its hormonal regulation. Beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Ketogenesis. Biosynthesis of fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol. Statins. Synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.Aminoacid and protein metabolism - Intracellular protein degradation. Transamination and desamination. Transport of ammonia to the liver. Alanine cycle. Urea cycle. Glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids.Nucleotide metabolism - Degradation of purines and pyrimidines. Recovery route of nucleobases. Forms of hyperuricemia.Mitochondrial metabolism - Cyclic acid cycle. Complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Mitchell's chemo-osmotic theory. Transport of reducing equivalents in the mitochondria. Respiratory control.Hormones - General mechanism of cellular action of hormones based on their structure. Structure, receptors and mechanism of action of insulin.Vitamins - Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins: structure, functions, mechanism of action and main deficiencies.Hemostasis biochemistry - Molecular mechanisms of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation.

Bibliography

Introduction to Biochemistry of Lehninger
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Freeman Publisher

Biochimica Medica, strutturale, metabolica e funzionale Siliprandi e Tettamanti
Piccin Editore

Teaching methods

Lectures will be held on-site in compliance with safety standards, provided that further instructions on the ongoing health emergency are not implemented. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations, audio-video aids or video-recording of the lectures.

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment of the achievement of the objectives of the course consists of an oral examination on the whole program of the Biochemistry course.
In the case of coronavirus emergency, the exams will be performed with test online using Teams platforms.

Other information

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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development

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