Biochemistry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at providing information concerning the principal biochemical processes underlying the functions of cells and organisms. The course topics during theoretical classes will allow to understand the fundamental properties of biomolecules and how they interact to maintain and propagate the characteristics of living organisms. The practical activities carried out in the laboratory classes will allow to learn the fundamentals of some biochemical techniques used in biological and biomedical research.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student must know the main metabolic processes and properties and characteristics of the biological macromolecules involved. The student will know the fundamentals of the relationship between the structure and function of macromolecules, and the strategies for regulating their activity as well as the basic techniques applied in biochemical research.
About the application skills, the student will know how to use the correct biochemical terminology, evaluate the relationship between structure and function of biological macromolecules and interpret variations of the main parameters describing the variation in properties of biologically active molecules. He will also be able to understand the fundamental principles of metabolism integration to interpret pathophysiological events in animal and plant cells.
About the application skills, the student will know how to use the correct biochemical terminology, evaluate the relationship between structure and function of biological macromolecules and interpret variations of the main parameters describing the variation in properties of biologically active molecules. He will also be able to understand the fundamental principles of metabolism integration to interpret pathophysiological events in animal and plant cells.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Linea AK
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course provides information on the biochemical principles and processes underlying the functions of cells and organisms. The course allows you to understand the fundamental properties of biomolecules and how they interact to maintain and reproduce the characteristics of each living system.
Introduction: thermodynamic principles: weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Proteins: structure and function
Hemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose catabolism: glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: b-oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Elements of rumen metabolism
Intergration of metabolism
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through the membranes
Cellular regulation and principles of signal transduction
Outline of methods in biochemical research
· Spectrophotometric techniques
· Electrophoretic techniques
· Enzyme tests
EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Measurement of enzymatic activity
Protein electrophoresis
Analysis and quantification of metabolites in biological samples
Use of databases and programs for the study of the protein structure
Introduction: thermodynamic principles: weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Proteins: structure and function
Hemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose catabolism: glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: b-oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Elements of rumen metabolism
Intergration of metabolism
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through the membranes
Cellular regulation and principles of signal transduction
Outline of methods in biochemical research
· Spectrophotometric techniques
· Electrophoretic techniques
· Enzyme tests
EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Measurement of enzymatic activity
Protein electrophoresis
Analysis and quantification of metabolites in biological samples
Use of databases and programs for the study of the protein structure
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge already acquired by the student useful in order to follow the course of Biochemistry: General and cellular Biology, Physics, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons
Practical exercises in the laboratory
Exercises and seminars in computer rooms
Practical exercises in the laboratory
Exercises and seminars in computer rooms
Teaching Resources
Voet & Voet, Biochimica, Zanichelli
Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochimica, 6^ edizione, Zanichelli
Nelson, Cox, Principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, Zanichelli
Campbell & Farrell, Biochimica, Edisis
Garrett & Grisham, Principi di Biochimica, Piccin
Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochimica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
K. Wilson e J. Walker, Metodologia Biochimica, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milano
Iconographic materia
Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochimica, 6^ edizione, Zanichelli
Nelson, Cox, Principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, Zanichelli
Campbell & Farrell, Biochimica, Edisis
Garrett & Grisham, Principi di Biochimica, Piccin
Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochimica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
K. Wilson e J. Walker, Metodologia Biochimica, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milano
Iconographic materia
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exam methods: the exam will be structured into a written document with open questions on all the topics covered in class to be completed in 2 hours
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 9
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor:
Tedeschi Gabriella
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Tedeschi GabriellaTurno 1
Professor:
Tedeschi GabriellaTurno 2
Professor:
Tedeschi GabriellaLinea LZ
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
CLASSROOM LECTURES:
Introduction: principles of thermodynamics; weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Protein structure and function
Haemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through membranes
Cellular regulation and principles of signal transduction
Principle of bioenergetics
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose Catabolism: Glycolysis and Pentose Patch Phosphate Route
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: -oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Integration of metabolism
Notes on methods in biochemical research
- Spectrophotometric techniques
- Chromatographic techniques for the separation of biologically active molecules (excluding chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, HPLC, GLC)
- Electrophoretic techniques
- PCR and its applications
LABORATORY EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Electrophoresis
Genotyping of genetically modified animals by PCR
Electrophoretic analysis of nucleic acids in PCR-amplified biological samples
Introduction: principles of thermodynamics; weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Protein structure and function
Haemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through membranes
Cellular regulation and principles of signal transduction
Principle of bioenergetics
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose Catabolism: Glycolysis and Pentose Patch Phosphate Route
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: -oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Integration of metabolism
Notes on methods in biochemical research
- Spectrophotometric techniques
- Chromatographic techniques for the separation of biologically active molecules (excluding chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, HPLC, GLC)
- Electrophoretic techniques
- PCR and its applications
LABORATORY EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Electrophoresis
Genotyping of genetically modified animals by PCR
Electrophoretic analysis of nucleic acids in PCR-amplified biological samples
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge already acquired by the student useful for a better understanding of the course of Biochemistry:
General and inorganic chemistry, General and cellular biology, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Genetics
General and inorganic chemistry, General and cellular biology, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Genetics
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held in the classroom according to the schedule that will be communicated to students.
Attendance at all classroom lectures is strongly recommended for optimal understanding of the topics and to better grasp the connections between the various lectures.
Classes are aimed at the acquisition of knowledge. During classes the teacher often interacts with students by asking them questions to stimulate the discussion and deeper understanding of concepts and topics.
Information about the organization of the lessons and any other information about teaching will be available on the teaching site: it is therefore recommended to consult it regularly.
The lecturer will also use interactive simulations that will allow students to assess their understanding on specific topics.
Practical exercises are mandatory and will be held in the laboratory. At the end of the laboratory exercises, each student will be required to submit a report in which he or she will illustrate each experiment, with the aim of demonstrating understanding and the ability to describe and discuss with appropriate language the conduct and results of the experiments.
Attendance at all classroom lectures is strongly recommended for optimal understanding of the topics and to better grasp the connections between the various lectures.
Classes are aimed at the acquisition of knowledge. During classes the teacher often interacts with students by asking them questions to stimulate the discussion and deeper understanding of concepts and topics.
Information about the organization of the lessons and any other information about teaching will be available on the teaching site: it is therefore recommended to consult it regularly.
The lecturer will also use interactive simulations that will allow students to assess their understanding on specific topics.
Practical exercises are mandatory and will be held in the laboratory. At the end of the laboratory exercises, each student will be required to submit a report in which he or she will illustrate each experiment, with the aim of demonstrating understanding and the ability to describe and discuss with appropriate language the conduct and results of the experiments.
Teaching Resources
- Voet & Voet, Biochemistry, Zanichelli
- Nelson, Cox, Principles of Biochemistry by Lehninger, 7th edition, Zanichelli
- Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
- Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochemistry, 6th edition, Zanichelli
- Campbell & Farrell, Biochemistry, Edisis
- Garrett & Grisham, Principles of Biochemistry, Piccin
- Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochemistry, Ambrosiana Publisher
- K. Wilson and J. Walker, Biochemical Methodology, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milan
- Iconographic material in digital format uploaded to the teacher's educational web site
- Nelson, Cox, Principles of Biochemistry by Lehninger, 7th edition, Zanichelli
- Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
- Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochemistry, 6th edition, Zanichelli
- Campbell & Farrell, Biochemistry, Edisis
- Garrett & Grisham, Principles of Biochemistry, Piccin
- Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochemistry, Ambrosiana Publisher
- K. Wilson and J. Walker, Biochemical Methodology, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milan
- Iconographic material in digital format uploaded to the teacher's educational web site
Assessment methods and Criteria
Mode:
Individual oral test
Type:
The examination will be conducted with oral questions on the topics explained to students during lectures, with the aim of assessing how concepts related to the main metabolic processes and the properties and characteristics of the biological macromolecules involved have been acquired.
Methods of verification of learning and evaluation criteria:
The oral exam will be conducted in-person.
The exam will be a critical discussion of the topics covered during the lectures and laboratory exercises, through which understanding, correctness, appropriateness of language, ability to connect the different topics of the program and to apply them to relevant biological issues will be evaluated.
The examination, in particular, will aim to:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of typical topics of the subject (e.g., importance of metabolic pathways, how they are regulated, principles of structure of biologically active molecules, etc.); and
- ascertain the mastery of the specific language related to biochemistry;
- verify the student's ability to connect the various topics of the program and to have a holistic view of the entire subject.
Type of evaluation:
Rated on a scale of thirty
Notification of results:
The results of the exams will be notified at the end of the test and will be recorded through the appropriate portal of reporting predisposed for each course.
Individual oral test
Type:
The examination will be conducted with oral questions on the topics explained to students during lectures, with the aim of assessing how concepts related to the main metabolic processes and the properties and characteristics of the biological macromolecules involved have been acquired.
Methods of verification of learning and evaluation criteria:
The oral exam will be conducted in-person.
The exam will be a critical discussion of the topics covered during the lectures and laboratory exercises, through which understanding, correctness, appropriateness of language, ability to connect the different topics of the program and to apply them to relevant biological issues will be evaluated.
The examination, in particular, will aim to:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of typical topics of the subject (e.g., importance of metabolic pathways, how they are regulated, principles of structure of biologically active molecules, etc.); and
- ascertain the mastery of the specific language related to biochemistry;
- verify the student's ability to connect the various topics of the program and to have a holistic view of the entire subject.
Type of evaluation:
Rated on a scale of thirty
Notification of results:
The results of the exams will be notified at the end of the test and will be recorded through the appropriate portal of reporting predisposed for each course.
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 9
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professors:
Crestani Maurizio, Della Torre Sara
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Crestani MaurizioTurno 1
Professor:
Crestani MaurizioTurno 2
Professor:
Della Torre SaraEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Ask for appointment
Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, via Balzaretti 9
Reception:
By appointment via email