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

To take the Biochemistry exam it is mandatory to have passed the Organic Chemistry exam.

D1 - Knowledge and understanding. At the end of the course, the student will have to demonstrate that they have acquired the basic notions relating to the structure and functions of proteins with particular reference to fibrous and globular proteins and possess the most relevant information on enzymes, the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis, the concepts of specificity, affinity and speed of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. He must have acquired the basic notions of the pathways leading to energy formation and providing reducing power.

D2 - Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. The student should be able to use the theoretical notions concerning the interactions between the carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism of animal and microbial cells, their reciprocal regulation and their modulation by extracellular signals.

D3 - Autonomy of judgment. The student must demonstrate that they have acquired critical skills and an overview of the topics addressed in order to formulate personal judgments and solve problems.

D4 - Communication skills. The student will have to acquire an adequate scientific language property by assuming a participatory and critical attitude to the topics of the lessons.

D5 - Learning skills. The student must be able to autonomously increase his knowledge by deepening some aspects of the discipline that will allow him to easily tackle some disciplines of the study path.

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

Attendance is strongly recommended, but not mandatory.

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

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.

Teaching

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

Attendance

Attendance is strongly recommended, but not mandatory.

Course books

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

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

Assessment

Oral examination

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.

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