Learning objectives
To be able to describe and discuss the characteristics, the structure, the function and the mechanism of action of vitamins. To understand and apply the knowledge about the biochemical mechanisms of blood coagulation, calcium homeostasis maintenance.
Prerequisites
Before taking the exam of "Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare" student have to pass:
1) Chimica e Propedeutica Biochimica
2) Istologia ed Embriologia
Course unit content
Structure functions and mechanism of action of vitamins. Biochemical mechanisms of blood coagulation. Biochemical mechanisms of calcium homeostasis.
Full programme
Liposoluble Vitamins: nutritional aspects, structure, mechanism of action. Vitamin A and the mechanism light perception. Coordinated actions of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in the regulation of serum calcium. Vitamin K: role in the maturation of clotting factors. Blood coagulation: molecular events of the intrinsic, extrinsic and common pathway. Mechanisms of clot dissolution.
Bibliography
Nelson DL, Cox MM: I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, Zanichelli, Bologna.
Lewin, Krebs, Goldstein, Kilpatrick: Il gene. Zanichelli, Bologna.
Amaldi, Benedetti, Pesole, Plevani: Biologia Molecolare. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
Lieberman, Marks: Biochimica Medica, un approccio clinico. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
Baynes JW, Dominiczak MH: Biochimica per le discipline biomediche, Elsevier Mosby, Philadelphia.
Caldarera CM: Biochimica Sistematica Umana, CLUEB, Bologna.
Devlin TM: Biochimica con aspetti clinici. Wiley-Liss, New York.
Garrett RH, Grisham CM: Biochimica. Piccin, Padova.
Mathews CK, van Holde KE, Ahern KG: Biochimica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
Murray RK, Granner DK, Mayes PA, Rodwell VW; Harper Biochimica, McGraw-Hill Libri Italia srl, Milano.
Siliprandi, Tettamanti: Biochimica Medica, Piccin. Padova.
Voet D, Voet JG: Biochimica John Wiley & Sons, USA.
Assessment methods and criteria
Multiple choice test. If the test is successful, the student can ask to proceed with the grade recording or to take an integrative oral examination. In the event that the student's preference falls on the second option, the final grade will be the average of the results reported in the two tests.
