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.
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
Structural organization of proteins: primary structure; secondary structures: alpha-helix, beta-sheet; tertiary structure: forces that stabilize the tertiary conformation of a protein; quaternary structure.Myoglobin and haemoglobin: saturation curves, cooperativity and allostery, the influence of pH and CO2 (Bohr effect), the role of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG). Fetal haemoglobin. Hemoglobin S. Fibrous proteins: keratins, collagen and elastin.Enzymes – Structure and classification of enzymes. Coenzymes. Enzyme-substrate interactions. Enzyme kinetics. Enzyme regulation mechanisms.Introduction to metabolism - Anabolism and catabolism.Carbohydrate metabolism - Glycolysis and regulation. Lactic and alcoholic fermentation. Gluconeogenesis and regulation. Cori cycle and glucose-alanine cycle. Phosphate pentose cycle. Glycogenosynthesis and glycogenolysis. Hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism. Ethanol metabolism.Lipid metabolism of fatty acids - Digestion, absorption and transport of triglycerides. Structure and synthesis of plasma lipoproteins. Lipolysis and its hormonal regulation. Beta-oxidation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and its regulation. Energy balance of the complete oxidation of a fatty acid. Ketogenesis and use of ketone bodies (ketolysis), pathophysiological significance.Amino acid and protein metabolism - Intracellular degradation of proteins. Catabolism of amino acids. Transamination and deexamination. Transport of ammonia to the liver. Urea cycle. Catabolism of the carbonaceous part of amino acids. Glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids.Synthesis and degradation of heme. Jaundice.Mitochondrial metabolism - Citric acid cycle, energy balance and regulation. Anaplerotic reactions. Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. Mitchell's chemo-osmotic theory. Transport of reducing equivalents into mitochondria. Inhibitors, uncouplers, thermogenin. Respiratory control.Metabolic integration: Main sites and mechanisms of control and regulation.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 deficiency manifestations.
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
During lectures (face-to-face / in streaming), the teacher will illustrate and discuss the different topics of the program. Students' reception for clarifications and exercises only by appointment (face-to-face or using Teams).
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of the achievement of the objectives of the course consists of an oral examination of the whole program of the Biochemistry course.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
3 Health and well-being
4 Quality education
5 Gender equality
