The course is focused on acquiring the fundamental concepts of structural and metabolic biochemistry. The main aim of the course is to teach students the elements required to gain an understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of cellular metabolism, in order to provide the  information needed to face subsequent courses.

In particular, an analysis will be carried out on the  chemical reactions that allow living organisms to obtain energy by oxidizing organic molecules acquired from the diet and to transform these molecules into their constituents. Finally, the  regulation mechanisms  of such metabolic pathways in different physio-pathological conditions will be discussed.

Introduction to Biochemistry.

Composition, structure and functions of proteins.

Enzymes:

Classification.

Structure.

Mechanisms of action

kinetic and regulation

Catalytic mechanisms and inhibition

Hemoglobin and myoglobin.

Chemistry of carbohydrates

Chemistry of lipids

Signal transduction

cAMP and calcium as second messengers.

Digestive processes: conversion of a meal in molecules used by the cell.

Basic notions on the metabolism.

Carbohydrate metabolism:

Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Hexose monophosphate shunt.

Other sugars of metabolic interest.

Glycogen metabolism.

Lipid metabolism:

Beta oxidation.

Fatty acids synthesis.

Cholesterol metabolism.

Synthesis of triacylglycerol and phospholipids.

Metabolism of cholesterol.

Nitrogen metabolism:

Amino acids metabolism.

Urea cycle.

Amino acids biosynthesis.

Krebs cycle:

Functions, energy balance and regulation.

Oxidative phosphorylation:

The electron transport chain.

The proton motive force.

Regulation of metabolism.

Bridging courses are not required.

Knowledge and ability of comprehension: The student must have acquired all the relevant knowledge about the structure and function of biological macromolecules and the basic principles that allow a full understanding of metabolism. The student must also have acquired basic knowledge about the metabolic regulation strategies, the specific biochemical processes of various tissues and organs, including their integration and hormonal regulation.

Ability to apply knowledge and comprehension: The student must demonstrate to be able to establish correlation between biological structure and function and to link the different studied topics. 

Autonomy of judgement: The student must demonstrate to be able to critically evaluate the information received.

Communication skills: The student must demonstrate to be able to communicate the acquired skills by adequate scientific language.

Learning skill: The student must demonstrate to have developed good learning skills, enabling them to deepen the knowledge gained during the course by addressing subsequent study paths.

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.

Teaching

Frontal lessons.

Attendance

The attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

Course books

- TYMOCZKO, BERG, STRYER "PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA" ZANICHELLI

- NELSON, COX "I PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA DI LEHININGER" ZANICHELLI

- BERG , TYMOCZKO, STRYER. “BIOCHIMICA” (VII ED) ZANICHELLI

- VOET & VOET "FONDAMENTI DI BIOCHIMICA" ZANICHELLI

- DEVLIN "BIOCHIMICA con aspetti clinico-farmaceutici” EdiSES

Assessment

The exam consists of a written test with questions regarding the entire program of the course.

During the course there will be two in itinere written tests which replace the complete exam.

The dates of these partial tests will be communicated during the course. In this case, the final outcome will be the mean of the two marks achieved in each tests, only if both ≥ 18/30. Those who do not achieve enough in a partial test must take the full examination. 

The written test consists of a series of multiple choice questions (the only correct answer must be indicated between those proposed) and  open questions. The time available is 2 hours. Each correct answer is worth 1 point and every wrong answer is worth 0 points.

Students who have passed both tests, but are not satisfied with the result, can refuse by communicating it within 5 days from the date of publication of the result. In that case have to register for the regular exam.

Disabilità e DSA

Le studentesse e gli studenti che hanno registrato la certificazione di disabilità o la certificazione di DSA presso l'Ufficio Inclusione e diritto allo studio, possono chiedere di utilizzare le mappe concettuali (per parole chiave) durante la prova di esame.

A tal fine, è necessario inviare le mappe, due settimane prima dell’appello di esame, alla o al docente del corso, che ne verificherà la coerenza con le indicazioni delle linee guida di ateneo e potrà chiederne la modifica.

Course books

- TYMOCZKO, BERG, STRYER "PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA" ZANICHELLI

- NELSON, COX "I PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA DI LEHININGER" ZANICHELLI

- BERG , TYMOCZKO, STRYER. “BIOCHIMICA” (VII ED) ZANICHELLI

- VOET & VOET "FONDAMENTI DI BIOCHIMICA" ZANICHELLI

- DEVLIN "BIOCHIMICA con aspetti clinico-farmaceutici” EdiSES

Assessment

The exam consists of a written test with questions regarding the entire program of the course.

Disabilità e DSA

Le studentesse e gli studenti che hanno registrato la certificazione di disabilità o la certificazione di DSA presso l'Ufficio Inclusione e diritto allo studio, possono chiedere di utilizzare le mappe concettuali (per parole chiave) durante la prova di esame.

A tal fine, è necessario inviare le mappe, due settimane prima dell’appello di esame, alla o al docente del corso, che ne verificherà la coerenza con le indicazioni delle linee guida di ateneo e potrà chiederne la modifica.