Biochemistry
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Basic knowledge of cell biology and general and organic chemistry are requested.
Biochemistry Module:
The examination is organized in a written test concerning quantitative biochemistry and knowledge of macromolecules (four open questions and two exercises). Passed the written part, the student can access the oral examination, which is aimed to verify the knowledge of the metabolism. The final score of the module is given in 30ies. The final score of the course is also given in 30ies and is the average of the scores of each module, weighted on the number of CFU of each module: the examination is successful if a score ≥ 18/30 is gained in each module.
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 practical applications of the main preparative and analytical methodologies used in the biochemical and molecular biology research fields, with specific emphasis to the structural and functional study of the enzymes.
The course is based on theoretical lessons and experimental lab activities.
Module “Biochemistry” – Loredano Pollegioni: 9 CFU – 76 hours class
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
Books: (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)
Matthews, Van Holde, Ahern, BIOCHIMICA, CEA
Baynes, Dominiczak, BIOCHIMICA PER LE DISCIPLINE BIOMEDICHE, Elsevier
Campbell, Farrell, BIOCHIMICA, EdiSES
Module of Biochemistry:
Class lessons (with Power Point presentations): 64 hours
Class tutorials: 12 hours
Students can meet with the professor in his office by previous phone or email appointment.