Biochemistry
A.A. 2024/2025
Obiettivi formativi
At the end of the course the student will be able to describe the fundamental concepts on how the cell functions, based on its architecture, (macro)molecular components, metabolism, and the role of genetic information. Students will acquire an operative understanding of biochemistry, which will enable them to work within a bioinformatics context, with full comprehension of the key molecular players involved.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
Students will acquire an operative understanding that will enable them to work within a bioinformatics context, with full control and understanding of the acting molecular partners and their interactions.
Periodo: Primo semestre
Modalità di valutazione: Esame
Giudizio di valutazione: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Corso singolo
Questo insegnamento non può essere seguito come corso singolo. Puoi trovare gli insegnamenti disponibili consultando il catalogo corsi singoli.
Programma e organizzazione didattica
Edizione unica
Responsabile
Periodo
Primo semestre
Programma
The following course topics will be covered:
· Introduction to biological macromolecules as the building blocks of living cells: Proteins as polymers of amino acids; nucleotides in relation to energetic considerations; nucleic acids as polymers of nucleotides; polysaccharides and lipids (basic).
· Protein structure: the peptide bond, primary, secondary and higher-level structure organisation. When appropriate, connections will be made to online servers used for the analysis of protein sequences and structures.
· Protein function, with a main focus on enzymes: catalysis, enzyme kinetics (basic), regulation and role of catalysis in metabolism.
· Thermodynamics of metabolism. Biochemical thermodynamics principles; ATP, energy transfer, coupling of endergonic/exergonic reactions.
· Energy metabolism. From glucose to CO2: Glycolysis, oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transfer chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
· General biochemistry concepts and methods to analyse macromolecules.
· Introduction to biological macromolecules as the building blocks of living cells: Proteins as polymers of amino acids; nucleotides in relation to energetic considerations; nucleic acids as polymers of nucleotides; polysaccharides and lipids (basic).
· Protein structure: the peptide bond, primary, secondary and higher-level structure organisation. When appropriate, connections will be made to online servers used for the analysis of protein sequences and structures.
· Protein function, with a main focus on enzymes: catalysis, enzyme kinetics (basic), regulation and role of catalysis in metabolism.
· Thermodynamics of metabolism. Biochemical thermodynamics principles; ATP, energy transfer, coupling of endergonic/exergonic reactions.
· Energy metabolism. From glucose to CO2: Glycolysis, oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transfer chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
· General biochemistry concepts and methods to analyse macromolecules.
Prerequisiti
By the end of the course the student will be able to describe the structure and function of the four principle (macro)molecular components that comprise a living cell, in particular proteins. Moreover, students will be able to describe the key roles of enzymes in a select few metabolic process that are central in cellular metabolism. Students will acquire the necessary biochemistry competences that will allow them to integrate with, and work in, a bioinformatics context.
Metodi didattici
Lessons will consist of frontal lectures, according to the course timetable. Active participation in lessons is strongly encouraged to ensure adequate preparation for the exam.
Materiale di riferimento
Suggested text books:
- Appling, Antony-Cahill & Mathews: Biochimica, Molecole e Metabolismo (Pearson 2017)
- Nelson D.L. & Cox M.M. - Lehninger's Principles of Biochemistry, Worth Publishers
- Voet D. & Voet, J.G. - Biochemistry, Wiley & Sons.
Additional learning materials (animations, websites and scientific articles) will be indicated and provided by the teacher during the course on the Ariel website.
- Appling, Antony-Cahill & Mathews: Biochimica, Molecole e Metabolismo (Pearson 2017)
- Nelson D.L. & Cox M.M. - Lehninger's Principles of Biochemistry, Worth Publishers
- Voet D. & Voet, J.G. - Biochemistry, Wiley & Sons.
Additional learning materials (animations, websites and scientific articles) will be indicated and provided by the teacher during the course on the Ariel website.
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
The final exam is a written exam that consists of multiple-choice questions (20% final grade), to assess global understanding of the entire course and one short and one long open question (80% final grade), to assess in-depth knowledge of key concepts presented during the course. The duration of the exam is 2h.
Siti didattici
Docente/i
Ricevimento:
Su richiesta
Torre 5B, Dip. Bioscienze, Via celoria 26, 20133