ENZYMOLOGY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Knowledge of the basis of protein structure and of basic reactions of organic chemistry are required
The objective of the exam is to verify the achievement of the training objectives. The exam is carried out in written form and consists of: Six main questions. Each question can be organized into further sub-questions; Questions could also relate to practical activity. Questions could also require to draw chemical mechanisms, plots, equations. Questions The degree of understanding of the subject, the ability to explain the basic principle and to illustrate the theory through examples is assessed (the ability to correctly represent reactions, chemical structures and plots is considered). The laboratory activity is evaluated through the specific question in the written exam. The ability to connect experimental activity to the theoretical principles is evaluated. IMPORTANT: since the ability to communicate concepts and results is one of the fundamental aim of the course, clarity in the organization of the answers and production of the graphical elements (compound formula, reaction mechanisms, plots) will be evaluated). The grades are expressed on a scale of 30/30, 18 being the passing grade. Each question contributes to the overall grade based on its specific difficulty. Only perfect exams will be granted with 30 cum laude. The production of an individual report regarding the laboratory activity is required (the report does not contribute to the final grade but a clear and complete report is required to pass the exam).
The main objective of the course is to provide basic knowledge on enzymes: What are enzymes? Why are enzymes fundamental for life and for bio-based industry? How do enzymes work? What affects enzyme activity and stability? How can we use enzymes? How I can correctly report theoretical and practical topics about enzymes? At the end of the course, the student will be able to: 1. Explain the chemical/physical principles of biological catalysis. 2. Describe the molecular mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis. 3. Understand the kinetic laws and models used to model the performance of enzymes. 4. Understand the effect of chemical / physical factors (temperature / pH / inhibitors) on the enzyme activity and stability. 6. Critically discuss the mechanism of action of enzymes with reference to potential biotechnological applications. 7. Represent enzymatic reactions, chemical structures, activity/stability plots and use the correct units of measurement. 8. Design, carry out experiments and analyze the produced data to verify the theoretical notions acquired in the previous points. 9. Produce reports about experimental activities involving enzymes.
36 hours (4.5 CFU) of lectures dealing with the following topics: - Principles of chemical kinetics and catalysis (transition state theory) - Enzyme catalysis and kinetics - Enzyme inhibition (Reversible and irreversible) - Enzymatic reactions involving multiple substrates - Rapid kinetics (theory and methods) - Allosteric enzymes (structure/function) - Effect of temperature and pH on the activity / stability of enzymes - Binding of small molecules to enzymes and proteins - Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of protein folding (also in vivo) - Examples of industrial applications of enzymes 18 hours (1.5 CFU) of laboratory activities: - 4 Practical exercitations regarding topics and concepts dealt with during the lectures. (e.g. inhibition, small molecule binding, biocatalysis)
The course consists of 36 hours of frontal lessons (18 lessons). During each lesson a topic is treated starting from the discussion of the general theoretical principles, illustrating some examples (also taken from recent literature) and discussing potential implications from the applicative point of view. The lessons are supported by PowerPoint slides (also available on the e-learning platform). For practical activities, students will be divided into small groups. After a general introduction to illustrate the objectives and experimental methods, students will be encouraged to independently design and perform the experimental activity. Attendance to at least 75% of practical activities is mandatory. In addition, the following didactic material is made available on the E-learning site: Slides made by the teacher. Self-assessment questions similar to those formulated in the written test Scientific articles. Lecture notes and protocols for the laboratory part.
The teacher is available to provide information on the course and topics by appointment via e-mail (requests must be made by email - gianluca.molla@uninsubria.it from the domain @ students.uninsubria.it). The teacher is available for any in-depth or clarification meetings on the topics covered and on the experimental activity for groups of students.