Biochemistry

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: LUCA VANELLA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to describe the main characteristics of the macromolecules of biological interest (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids) and to provide knowledge on the main metabolic pathways. Furthermore, with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, this course contributes to acquiring the following transversal skills: 1) Knowledge and understanding: ability to express with the appropriate biochemical terminology the molecular basis of biological systems and processes, of the main metabolic pathways and their integrations. Ability to relate the structural and molecular organization of enzymatic molecules with their catalytic activity, its inhibition, modulation and regulation. 2) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the student will be able to evaluate the effect of enzymatic inhibitors and identify the appropriate techniques for the separation and purification of biological macromolecules. Individual and group exercises, aimed at verifying the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of catalysis. 3) Learning skills: The student will be able to update and broaden their knowledge by independently drawing on texts, scientific articles and online platforms. 4) Autonomy of judgment: administration of ongoing training tests aimed at self-assessment of the understanding and learning of already completed teaching units; conscious evaluation of teaching. 5) Communication skills: Ability to provide correct definitions on the organizational level of enzymatic proteins according to the different levels of structural complexity. Ability to express specific metabolic events of organs and tissues, their interrelation and regulation with the appropriate biochemical terminology.

Course Structure

Frontal teaching, exercises and cooperative learning. If the teaching is given in a mixed or remote mode, the necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated may be introduced, in order to comply with the program envisaged and reported in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Good knowledge of biology, general chemistry and carbon chemistry is required.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is compulsory according to the rules of the didactic regulations

Detailed Course Content

1) Composition and structure of biological membranes

2) General aspects on: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and Nucleic acids.

3) Enzymes: mechanism of action, specificity, affinity, isoenzymes. Enzymatic kinetics. Enzymatic regulation.

4) Cellular communication: receptor classification, molecular mechanism of action of hormones, signal translation pathways.

5) Apoptosis and necrosis.

6) Catabolism and Anabolism.

7) Carbohydrates metabolism: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, pentose pathway, gluconeogenesis, glycogenosynthesis, glycogenolysis.

8) Lipid metabolism: de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids, β-oxidation.

9) Protein and nucleotide metabolism: protein synthesis, metabolic fate of nitrogen, nucleotide biosynthesis.

10) The respiratory chain and its components.

11) Free radicals and defense mechanisms

Textbook Information

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

1) Nelson D.L. e Michael M. Cox M.M. I Principi Di Biochimica di Lehninger, Ed. Zanichelli.

2) Abali E.E et al., Le basi della Biochimica, Ed. Zanichelli.

3) Nelson e Cox. Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger, Ed. Zanichelli

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1		1,2
2		1,3, Materiale Docente
3		1,2
4		2
5		1
6		1,2 Materiale Docente
7		1, Materiale Docente
8		1,2 Materiale Docente
9		1,2,3

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The exam will be written with multiple choice. Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it. The test focuses exclusively on the topics covered in class. The type of exercises of the exam will be addressed during the course. Exam dates are published on the website of the Department of Chemical Sciences. Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs. Failed Examination: The student does not possess the minimum knowledge required of the fundamental contents of the course and does not demonstrate a sufficient level of preparation to recognize, understand, and apply the main concepts and principles covered in the examination. Grade 18–21: The student demonstrates a minimum and predominantly factual knowledge of the main contents of the course. They are able to recognize the fundamental concepts and identify the correct answers in the simplest situations that are directly related to the topics covered, showing limited ability to understand and apply the knowledge acquired. Grade 22–25:The student demonstrates a fair knowledge of the main contents of the course, although this knowledge is not always in-depth. They are able to understand and apply the knowledge acquired in situations of moderate complexity and identify the correct solution in most of the questions, demonstrating a fair ability to analyze and integrate information. Grade 26–28: The student demonstrates good knowledge of the course contents and an adequate ability to understand their underlying principles and relationships. They are able to integrate and apply the knowledge acquired to situations and problems of greater complexity, independently identifying solutions to the questions posed that are generally correct, and demonstrating good critical analytical skills. Grade 29–30 and distinction (cum laude): The student demonstrates an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the course contents, together with a full ability to understand, integrate, and apply the knowledge acquired. They are able to promptly and correctly analyze even complex situations and problems, independently identifying the appropriate solution and demonstrating well-developed critical reasoning skills. Distinction (cum laude) is awarded in the presence of excellent, comprehensive, and particularly solid preparation, characterized by a high degree of accuracy in the answers and full mastery of the course contents. Assessment of learning may also be conducted remotely, should circumstances require it. The examination covers exclusively the topics addressed during lectures. The types of exercises included in the examination will be practiced during the course. Examination dates are published on the website of the Department of Drug and Health Sciences. Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD): To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students concerned may request an individual consultation in order to arrange any appropriate compensatory and/or exemption measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP faculty coordinator (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) of the Department, Prof. Vera Muccilli.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1) Which of the following compounds CANNOT be converted into glucose?

a) Lactate

b) Pyruvate

c) Glycerol

d) Acetyl-CoA

2) During which stage of cellular respiration is the greatest amount of ATP produced?

A) Glycolysis

B) Krebs cycle

C) Substrate-level phosphorylation

D) Oxidative phosphorylation

3) Which intermediate of the Krebs cycle is converted into succinate?

A) Citrate

B) Fumarate

C) Succinyl-CoA

D) Oxaloacetate

Degree Course in

Chemistry