AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this class, the student should acquire the bases necessary to understanding the linkage between the structural characteristics and the functional behavior of organic molecules present in living organisms.  He  should also know how complex macromolecules are degraded to intermediate metabolites or to waste products to extract and store metabolic energy necessary for both the synthesis of macromolecules of different chemical nature and to carry out other endoergonic  processes. The student should be informed about the chemical transfomations regulated as responses to signals that target different cells, coming from both the internal or external environment. Aim of this class is to give a basic integrated view of the complex molecular relationships  that drive and control the biochemical pathways in animal organisms.

TEACHING METHODS

The teacher presents and comments on images that the student will also find on the Aulaweb platform to find an outline for his study.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Amino acid and proteins: how a protein structure dictates its function. The enzymes and their regulation. Energy currencies: ATP and NADH. Biochemical pathways in the cell compartments: metabolic networks and cellular metabolic specialization of different tissues; membranes and organelles; pumps and osmolarity; sequestration of chemical reactions. How energy is transformed and harnessed: coupling chemical reactions; glycolysis; tricarboxylic acid cycle; bypass reactions and catabolic pathways; electron transport chain; gluconeogenesis; glycogen breakdown and synthesis; fatty acid synthesis and oxidation. Metabolism of nucleotides and amino acids: the urea cycle. Signaling pathways: receptors, ligands, and enzyme cascades; cell response to stimuli; the secretory pathway; positive and negative feedback; endocrine signaling (insulin and glucagon).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Terry A. Brown-Conoscere la Biochimica- Zanichelli

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIANLUCA DAMONTE (President)

BIANCA SPARATORE (President)

LUIGI VEZZULLI (President)

MARCO GIOVINE

CARLA PRUZZO

LESSONS

Class schedule

BIOCHEMISTRY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The oral examination will assess whether the student has acquired sufficient skills 1) to find the links between the presence of the various functional groups of biomolecules and their possibility to undergo specific intracellular transformations; 2) to discuss the occurrence of the various biochemical pathways in specific metabolic conditions; 3) to describe the general characteristics of enzymes and their possible regulation mechanisms; 4) to define and give examples of allosteric interactions and the possible outcomes for enzyme and non enzyme proteins subjected to allosteric regulation. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

To assess the preparation of the student, the committee will ask at least three questions related to the program of Biochemistry proposed. One of the questions will be selected by the student. The exam will be considered sufficient and hence passed if the student will demonstrate the absence of serious gaps. In any case the student must obtain a sufficient evaluation also for the Microbiology module to obtain the final positive evaluation. Within ten days from the registration of the result the student can refuse the grade and repeat the exam in the following sessions.

Exam schedule