Biology and Biochemistry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The focus of the course is to provide to the student, in a preliminary step, a general context for chemical concepts needed to the understating biochemistry and biological systems. Later, the module of Biochemistry ensures that student learns the concepts fundamental of bioenergetics, metabolism processes. The module of Biology is devoted to the understanding of the cellular structure and function, focusing on the flow of genetic information.
Expected learning outcomes
To understand the fundamental concepts of general and organic chemistry required to the comprehension of the structure of biologically active molecules.
To understand the essentials of metabolism and of bioenergetics
To understand the essentials of metabolism and of bioenergetics
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Prerequisites for admission
There are no prerequisites
Assessment methods and Criteria
Multiple choice test and discussion of the written test
The two exams take place on the same day.
The two exams take place on the same day.
Biochemistry
Course syllabus
Preliminar step
Fundamental concepts of General Chemistry: Atoms. Molecules. Periodic Table of elements. Chemical bond. Reactions: chemical kinetics, equilibria. pH of acids and bases, buffer solutions.
Fundamental concepts of Organic Chemistry: main functional groups: structures and reactions. Classes of biological compounds: carbohydrates, lipids, aminoacids and proteins.
Biochemistry: Enzymes: classification, action mechanism. Coenzymes. Metabolism: anabolism and catabolism. Carbohydrates, lipids aminoacids and proteins metabolism.
ATP, Krebs cycle, electrons transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation.
Fundamental concepts of General Chemistry: Atoms. Molecules. Periodic Table of elements. Chemical bond. Reactions: chemical kinetics, equilibria. pH of acids and bases, buffer solutions.
Fundamental concepts of Organic Chemistry: main functional groups: structures and reactions. Classes of biological compounds: carbohydrates, lipids, aminoacids and proteins.
Biochemistry: Enzymes: classification, action mechanism. Coenzymes. Metabolism: anabolism and catabolism. Carbohydrates, lipids aminoacids and proteins metabolism.
ATP, Krebs cycle, electrons transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation.
Teaching methods
Frontal Lessons
Teaching Resources
Suggested book: M.Stefani, N. Taddei-Chimica, Biochimica - ed Zanichelli
The notes from the lessons and the slides copy are suitable to the preparation for the final test
The notes from the lessons and the slides copy are suitable to the preparation for the final test
Experimental biology
Course syllabus
Fundamental characteristics of living matter: complexity, growth capacity, self-reproduction capacity, adaptation to the environment.
Cellular organization: cellular theory, fundamental properties of cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, single-cell and multicellular organisms, evolutionary processes.
Chemical composition of living matter: Inorganic and organic compounds, Biological macromolecules, The biological importance of water, Structure and function of nucleic acids, The information flow
Structure and function of biological membranes: transport mechanisms across the membrane
The cell membrane system: Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, Nuclear envelope, Lysosomes, Peroxisomes
DNA as hereditary material: Central dogma of biology, DNA replication, General information on the structure of the eukaryotic gene. Mechanisms of transcription and maturation of mRNAs
Protein translation: the genetic code, Structure of the ribosome, Structure of the tRNA.
Cell division processes: meiosis and mitosis
Cellular organization: cellular theory, fundamental properties of cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, single-cell and multicellular organisms, evolutionary processes.
Chemical composition of living matter: Inorganic and organic compounds, Biological macromolecules, The biological importance of water, Structure and function of nucleic acids, The information flow
Structure and function of biological membranes: transport mechanisms across the membrane
The cell membrane system: Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, Nuclear envelope, Lysosomes, Peroxisomes
DNA as hereditary material: Central dogma of biology, DNA replication, General information on the structure of the eukaryotic gene. Mechanisms of transcription and maturation of mRNAs
Protein translation: the genetic code, Structure of the ribosome, Structure of the tRNA.
Cell division processes: meiosis and mitosis
Teaching methods
Frontal Lessons
Teaching Resources
Elementi di biologia (Edises) Autori Salomon Berg Martin
Biologia e Genetica (Pearson) Autore Campbell
Biologia e Genetica (Pearson) Autore Campbell
Biochemistry
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 20 hours
Experimental biology
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 20 hours