Biochemistry

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.

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.

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

Attendance is compulsory according to the rules of the didactic regulations

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

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

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.

Which of the following compounds can NOT turn into glucose?

a) lactate

b) Pyruvate

c) Glycerol

d) Acetyl CoA