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, and of some interesting categories of natural organic substances.

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

The course is delivered through in-person classroom lectures. Teaching materials are available on AulaWeb.

Class attendance is not mandatory; however, students are strongly encouraged to attend the lectures.

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Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs must contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the School of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) by email at the beginning of the lessons to agree on teaching methods that respect the objectives of the teaching unit while taking individual learning needs into account.

For more information:
https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

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

Lectures will begin as indicated in the academic calendar. Updates will also be posted on Aulaweb.

Class Schedule: The timetable for this teaching unit is available via the Portale EasyAcademy, or the MyUniGe app

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment consists of an oral examination covering the entire course syllabus, designed to evaluate the extent to which the learning outcomes have been achieved. During the examination, students will be required to write relevant formulas and equations and to demonstrate their ability to explain accurately the topics covered in the course.

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Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs may request exam adaptations by completing the dedicated online form at least seven days before the exam:

https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back

They should also contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the School of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) by email.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination is designed to assess whether students have achieved the intended learning outcomes.

During the examination, students will be asked to discuss topics covered in the lectures. The assessment aims to evaluate their level of understanding as well as their ability to reason critically and make connections between different parts of the teaching unit.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Class attendance is not mandatory; however, students are strongly encouraged to attend the lectures.

For all course information, updates, and any changes, please refer to AulaWeb.