66609 - Biochemistry

Learning outcomes

The course's primary objective is to provide students with the knowledge necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying life and the transformations of organic compounds. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to understand the structural characteristics of molecules of biological interest (proteins, lipids, and sugars) and the functionality of enzymes.

Course contents

Biological Chemistry and Biomolecules: Chemical elements that constitute biomolecules, chemical-physical properties, and biological functions of the main classes of biomolecules. Overview of cellular organization and the main characteristics of plant cells.

Carbohydrates: Structure and properties of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Role of carbohydrates in biological and metabolic processes.

Lipids: Structure and properties of simple and complex lipids. Structural and metabolic role of lipids.

Nucleic Acids: Structure and functions of DNA and RNA. Overview of the mechanisms of nucleic acid replication and transcription.

Amino Acids and Proteins: Classification of amino acids. The peptide bond, structural organization of proteins. Functions of proteins and their biological functions.

Enzymes: Functions, definition of coenzymes, cofactors, and prosthetic groups, formation of the enzyme-substrate complex, transition state, activation energy of catalyzed reactions. Enzyme kinetics: Michaelis-Menten model. Enzyme inhibition. Allosteric enzymes.

Metabolism: Catabolism and anabolism, organization of metabolic pathways, compartmentalization of metabolic pathways, regulation of metabolic pathways.

Carbohydrate metabolism: Glycolysis and its regulation. Gluconeogenesis and its regulation. Notes on the pentose phosphate pathway. Tricarboxylic acid cycle. Electron transport chain. Oxidative phosphorylation. Photosynthesis, with references to plant cell metabolism.

Lipid metabolism: β-oxidation of fatty acids. Glyoxylate cycle. Fatty acid biosynthesis.

Nitrogen metabolism: General scheme of amino acid metabolism, transamination and oxidative deamination reactions.

Readings/Bibliography

The use of materials distributed by the instructor, in the form of handouts and online resources, and lecture notes will be essential.


Recommended textbooks:

"Understanding Biochemistry" by Terry A. Brown – Zanichelli.

"Introduction to Lehninger Biochemistry" by David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox – Zanichelli.

"Plant Physiology" by Lincoln Taiz and Eduardo Zeiger – Piccin.

"Plant Biochemistry [https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-63188-3]" 4th edition, by Hans-Walter Heldt and Birgit Piechulla – Academic Press.

"Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants [https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Biochemistry+and+Molecular+Biology+of+Plants%2C+2nd+Edition-p-9780470714218] " 2nd edition, by Bob B. Buchanan, Wilhelm Gruissem and Russell L. Jones – John Wiley & Sons, Ltd


“The Biochemistry of the Grape Berry,” by Hernani Geros, M. Manuela Chaves, and Serge Delrot; BenthameBooks; eISBN:978-1-60805-360-5

Teaching methods

Teaching will be delivered synchronously online through lectures supported by multimedia presentations. Topics will be developed starting from the fundamental principles of biochemistry and integrating, where appropriate, applied examples relating to grapevine physiology, grape ripening, and the biochemical processes of winemaking. Discussion and active student participation will be encouraged during lectures through questions and guided discussions.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is conducted exclusively through a written exam at the end of class, designed to assess the acquisition of the knowledge and skills required by the course. During the two-hour exam, students are not permitted to use books or notes, and there is no oral exam. The exam consists of ten open-ended questions covering the topics covered in the course. Each correct answer will be assigned a score between 0 and 3, depending on the level of depth of the answer. Incorrect or unanswered questions will be given a score of zero. The final score will be expressed as a percentage of 30.

To take the exam, students must register for the exam sessions published on AlmaEsami. Exams are held exclusively in person at the Cesena Campus.

Teaching tools

Personal PC, PowerPoint presentations. Audio/video projection. Interactive communication systems (Wooclap, Menitmeter).

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Truzzi