00061 - Biochemistry (B)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Biochemistry course, the student is expected to know: the thermodynamic aspects of biochemical processes and the fundamentals of cellular bioenergetics; the structural and functional characteristics of protein macromolecules; the mechanisms of enzyme action, enzyme kinetics, and the mechanisms regulating the rate of biochemical processes; the structure of nucleic acids and the molecular basis of DNA replication, as well as the processes of transcription and translation involved in protein synthesis. The student will also acquire knowledge of the essential elements of the intermediate metabolism of the main biological molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogen-containing compounds), the associated energy transformations, their metabolic interrelationships and hormonal regulation, as well as the cellular localization and compartmentalization of the main metabolic pathways; the specialization of human organs and tissues in metabolic activities as a prerequisite for understanding their specific functions; the molecular mechanisms regulating cellular activity, with particular emphasis on intracellular signal transduction and the role of hormones, other extracellular messengers, and vitamins in metabolic and gene regulation; the molecular basis of human nutrition and nutrigenomics required to understand the role of nutrients contained in foods in maintaining the metabolic homeostasis of cells and tissues.

Course contents

Cofactors and coenzymes

General properties and main coenzymes that serve as carries of electrons and functional groups.

Thermodynamic aspects of biochemical processes and cellular bioenergetics

Laws of thermodynamics and biological systems; Gibbs free energy and chemical potential; relationship between equilibrium constants and standard free-energy changes of chemical reactions. Thermodynamics and transmembrane transport systems.

Coupled reactions and high energy compounds; phosphoryl group transfer potential; ATP role; ortho- and pyrophosphoric cleavage and mode of usage of ATP for energy transfer; redox reactions and free-energy changes.

Signal transduction and hormones

Overview of hormones and other extracellular messengers. Chemical classification of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. Biosynthesis, secretion, and plasma transport of hormones. Hormonal receptors and their regulation.

Signal transduction mediated by nuclear receptors. Nuclear receptors and elements of response to lipophilic hormones. Signal transduction mediated by membrane receptors. Channel receptors. Receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins. Cyclic AMP pathway. Diacylglycerol, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, and calcium ions as intracellular messengers. Cyclic GMP and nitric oxide. Insulin and growth factor receptors. Ras protein and MAP kinase pathways and Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Growth hormone and cytokine receptors. Jak/Stat pathway, NF-kB activation.

Structure, biosynthesis, secretion and molecular and metabolic effects of some hormones and neurotransmittors, particularly of those regulating the energetic metabolism:

Growth Hormone,

Insulin and Glucagon,

Catecholamines,

Thyroid Hormones,

Glucocorticoides.

Other hormones include: mineralcorticoides, androgens, estrogens and progestogens, vasopressin (Antidiuretic Hormone).

Homeostasis of Calcium and Phosphate and hormonal regulation

Homeostasis and metabolism of Iron

Readings/Bibliography

Slides presented during the lecture will be made available to students on the Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

It is recommended:

• D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox "I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger" Zanichelli editore.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered through face-to-face lectures supported by diagrams, figures, and graphical representations of the molecular mechanisms underlying biochemical processes.

Throughout the lectures, examples of metabolic integration and molecular regulation are discussed to promote connections between the different topics covered and to consolidate students' understanding of the main biochemical mechanisms.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning is structured into a written examination and an oral examination.

The written examination, consisting of multiple-choice questions, covers topics in general biochemistry (proteins and enzymes, principles of bioenergetics, and nucleic acid biochemistry) and assesses the acquisition of the fundamental knowledge required to address the subsequent topics of the course. Passing the written examination is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination.

The oral examination consists of an interview aimed at assessing the student’s level of knowledge and understanding of the main biochemical mechanisms covered during the course, with particular reference to metabolic pathways, their regulation, and the interrelationships between energy metabolism, signal transduction, hormonal regulation, and nutrients.

During the oral examination, the student’s ability to:

• correctly describe the main biochemical processes addressed during the course;
• relate the different metabolic pathways and their regulatory mechanisms;
• appropriately use biochemical terminology;
• organize and present the acquired knowledge in a clear and coherent manner;
  will be evaluated.

The final grade is based on the overall evaluation of the examinations taken and takes into account the educational weight of the different parts of the course.

The assessment will consider the accuracy of the acquired knowledge, the completeness of the discussion, the ability to integrate the different topics covered in the syllabus, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Indicatively:

18–21: essential and correct knowledge, with an understanding of the main concepts of the discipline;

22–25: good knowledge of the course content and ability to correctly describe the main biochemical processes;

26–29: strong command of the course content, ability to integrate different biochemical mechanisms and establish connections between metabolism and regulation;

30–30 cum laude: complete and in-depth knowledge, ability to critically connect the different topics and full mastery of biochemical terminology.

 

During the examination, the use of any supporting materials is prohibited, including textbooks, notes*, artificial intelligence tools, and any other electronic or computing devices. Any use of such materials or tools constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

 

* Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Use of text slides integrated with slides depicting original diagrams and figures.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Cetrullo