CHEMISTRY OF NATURAL ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
| CODE | 34000 |
|---|---|
| ACADEMIC YEAR | 2022/2023 |
| CREDITS |
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| SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR | CHIM/06 |
| LANGUAGE | Italian |
| TEACHING LOCATION |
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| SEMESTER | 2° Semester |
| PREREQUISITES |
Prerequisites
You can take the exam for this unit if you passed the following exam(s):
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| TEACHING MATERIALS | AULAWEB |
OVERVIEW
The course provides an overview of the main pathways of the secondary metabolism and of the biological mechanisms that characterize them, with the in-depth analysis of some classes of metabolites.
AIMS AND CONTENT
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Overview of the main pathways of the secondary metabolism and of its characterizing biological mechanisms.
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course aims to provide students with an overview of the main pathways of the secondary metabolism and of the characterizing biological mechanisms, as well as a deeper knowledge of the properties of some classes of secondary metabolites and their effects on the human organism (especially in the field of steroids, vitamins, alkaloids).
PREREQUISITES
For an optimal fruition of the course, the knowledge of the basic notions of General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry (Organic Chemistry 1 and 2) is essential. It is desirable that the student has also acquired the contents of the Organic Chemistry 3 course.
TEACHING METHODS
The teaching is based on frontal lectures, with the prevalent use of slides.
SYLLABUS/CONTENT
The secondary metabolism: general aspects and schematization of the main secondary metabolic pathways.
Detailed analysis of the mevalonate pathway (terpenes / essential oils, cholesterol, steroids and vitamin D, carotenoids and vitamin A).
The “non-Mevalonic” way to terpenes: an outline.
The way of shikimate: synthesis of aromatic α-amino acids and other classes of secondary metabolites.
Vitamins: historical notes, classification, general aspects and detailed examination, for some of them, of synthesis and involvement in the metabolism.
Alkaloids: classification, general considerations, details on the chemistry (synthesis and / or mode of action) of some examples of particular interest.
Natural substances of marine origin: generalities and examples of particular interest.
RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY
The slides of the lessons will be available in pdf format on Aulaweb.
For specific topics on the program, reading of the following text is recommended:
-- P.M. Dewick - Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Bioactivity of Natural Substances, 2nd Italian Ed., translation of the III english Ed. by E. Fattorusso - Piccin, 2013.
For the revision / deepening of basic organic chemistry topics, the most recent editions of the same texts recommended for the courses of Organic Chemistry I and II can be used; in particular:
-- Brown, Foote, Organic Chemistry - EdiSES
-- Bruice, Organic Chemistry - EdiSES
TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD
Office hours: Students are invited to contact the teacher to directly agree on a personalized timetable, compatible with teaching, research or institutional commitments. If possible, the reception will be carried out in presence, in compliance with the capacity limits of the rooms and with the distancing rules provided for by the updated legislation relevant to the COVID19 emergency.
Exam Board
GIOVANNI PETRILLO (President)
LARA BIANCHI
CINZIA TAVANI (President Substitute)
LESSONS
LESSONS START
From 7 March 2022 (according to the timetable shown on http://www.chimica.unige.it/didattica/orari_CTC e/o https://corsi.unige.it/8757)
Class schedule
All class schedules are posted on the EasyAcademy portal.
EXAMS
EXAM DESCRIPTION
The exam will consist of an oral interview before a commission of at least two theachers, with the essential use of the blackboard or other writing support on which to develop the exam topics, especially as regards the arguments most directly based on chemistry.
The student can freely choose to bring, as part of the exam, a PowerPoint presentation on an in-depth study of a program (or strictly related) topic, to be agreed with the teacher.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
During the interview, it is intended to ascertain, through the initial discussion of topics carried out in the frontal lectures, the degree of understanding reached by the student as well as his reasoning ability in making connections between different parts of the program and in dealing with case studies related to those expressly treated in the program.