The learning objectives of the course of Biochemistry are all related to the introduction of the students to the world of proteins, sugars, lipids, nucleotides, coenzymes and vitamins.
Special attention will be payd to the relationships among structure and functions of proteins especially when these have an enzymatic activity or participate in a regulatory process.
The next section will be related to cell metabolism and its regulation. It is expected that the student become familiar also with the molecular bases of integration of cell metabolic regulation with
the action of extracellular signals (i.e. hormons) under different physiological and pathological conditions.

1. The cell and subcellular structures;

1.1 Metabolic processes.
2. Chemistry of carbohydrates
3. Chemistry of lipids
4. Chemistry of proteins
5. Chemistry of nucleotides and coenzymes
6. Enzymes
6.1 Enzymes classification
6.2 Structure
6.3 Mechanisms of action
6.4 Regulation
7. Carbohydrates metabolism
7.1 Glycogen metabolism
7.2 Glycolysis
7.3 Hexose monophosphate shunt
7.4 Gluconeogenesis
7.5 Other sugars of metabolic interest
8. Lipids metabolis
8.1 beta oxidation
8.2 Fatty acids synthesis
8.3 Cholesterol metabolism
8.4 Phospholipids metabolism
9. Nitrogen metabolism
9.1 Amino acids metabolism
9.2 Urea cycle
9.3 Amino acids biosynthesis
9.4 Biosynthesis and degradation of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides
10. Krebs cycle
11. Energy balance
11.1 Electron transfer and oxigen consumption
11.2 Oxidative phosphorylation
12. Mechanims of action of vitamins and ormones
12.1 cAMP and Ca as second messangers
13. Metabolic regulation

General chemistry; Organic chemistry

The student will aquire basic knowledge of the relationships among structure and functions of proteins with special reference to fibrous proteins and globular proteins. At the end of the course the studend should have all relevant knowledge about enzymes, the mechanisms of calalysis, clear comprension of affinity, specificity and velocity of enzyme catalyzed reactions.

With respect to the area devoted to metabolism the students will be familiar with glucose metabolism, lipid metabolis, nitrogen metabolism in animal and microbial cells. In addition, the student will have basic knowledge on energy production and redox potential generation.

With respect to the area of metabolic regulation the student will have basic knowledge of the main interactions among different metabolic pathways, will be familiar with their reciprocal regulation and with the mechanism(s) of response(s) to extracellular signals.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

teaching materials and supporting activities are available through Moodle platform on line at blended.uniurb.it

laboratory demonstractions and training on enzymes will be organized

Teaching

lectures and laboratory training

Attendance

not obbligatory

Course books

J. L.Timoczcko, J. Berg,  L. Stryer, Biochimica, Zanichelli,

D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox, I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, Zanichelli

Assessment

Oral examination

Oral examination on at least 3 different arguments of the course. The final aim is the evaluation of the acquired knowledge and the ability to link different temes. In addition the ability to present and communicate and to solve practical problems will also be considered. The answers will be rated also on the bases of the use of a correct language and
proper specific therminology.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

All materials used during the course is avalable on Moodle platform from the web site of the university

Attendance

NONE

Course books

see above

Assessment

Oral examination

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

the theacher is available at mauro.magnani@uniurb.it also to set an appointment