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, in particular vitamins and alkaloids.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Overview of the main pathways of secondary metabolism and of the 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 terpenes, 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

4 ECTS of lectures (descriptive slides are provided to students before classes).
Attendance is optional.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1) Use and study of natural substances in history, metabolism and secondary metabolism, building blocks and biosynthetic mechanisms

2) Acetate metabolic pathway: biosynthesis of aromatic derivatives and macrolides

3) MVA and MEP metabolic pathways: biosynthesis of terpenes and steroids

4) Shikimate metabolic pathway: biosynthesis of aromatic aminoacids, phenylpropanoids, aromatic polyketides, flavonolignans and terpenoidic quinones

5) Vitamins: structure, properties, natural sources, biosynthetic mechanisms

6) Alkaloids: classification, biosynthetic schemes and properties of the main classes with insights into the most relevant exponents

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.

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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the timetable reported here 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will consist of an oral interview before a commission of at least two theachers, with the use of a writing support on which to develop the exam topics.

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.