Biochemistry
Basic knowledge of cell biology, basic chemistry and organic chemistry.
The course of Biochemistry and Applied Biochemistry is part of the molecular preparation of the student in Biology and Biotechnology. The course is organized in two parts: the first (Biochemistry Module) is aimed to introduce the student into the understanding of the structure-function relationships of biological macromolecules, of the molecular mechanisms of the biological processes and their regulation. The description of the metabolism will be performed both at the qualitative and quantitative level. The second module (named Applied Biochemistry) is aimed to describe the theoretical principles and the applied applications of the main preparative and analytical methodologies used in the biochemical and molecular-biology research field, with specific emphasis to the structural and and functional study of the enzymes.
The course is based on theoretical lessons and experimental lab activitites.
Biological macromolecules – 2 CFU (16 hours):
- Elementary composition of living organisms
- Water and water solutions
- Amino acids and Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Nucleotides and nucleic acids
The metabolism – 4 CFU (32 hours):
- The enzymes
- Introduction to the metabolism
- Metabolism of carbohydrates
- Photosynthesis
- Krebs cycle and Oxidative phosphorylation
- Metabolism of lipids
- Metabolism of proteins
- Metabolism of nucleotides
Integration of metabolism and cell signalling – 1.25 CFU (10 hours):
- Mechanisms of metabolic control
- Signalling mechanisms
Information metabolism – 0.75 CFU (6 hours)
- DNA replication
- DNA transcription
- Protein synthesis
Tutorials (quantitative biochemistry) – 1 CFU (12 hours)
Slides of lessons: from the Elearning website
Exercises: from the Elearning website
Lab activities: material prepared by the teacher and slides from the Elearning website
Books:
Biochemistry (one of the following):
Berg J., Timoczcko J.L., Stryer L., “BIOCHEMISTRY” (Zanichelli/Wiley)
Voet D., Voet J.G. Pratt C.W., “FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOCHEMISTRY” (Wiley)
Nelson D.L., Cox M.M., “Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry” (Cox)