00061 - Biochemistry (B)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know: the essential elements of the intermediary metabolism of major biological molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogenous compounds), the associated energy modifications, their interrelationships and metabolic and hormonal regulations, as well as the cellular localization and compartmentalization of the main metabolic pathways; the specialization of various human organs and tissues in metabolic activities as a prerequisite for understanding their specific functions; the molecular mechanisms of cellular activity regulation with particular regard to intracellular signal transduction and the function of hormones, other extracellular messengers, and vitamins at the metabolic and genetic levels; the biochemical principles underlying human nutrition with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of nutrient digestion and absorption and essential nutritive principles with references to nutrigenomics.

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

Lectures

Assessment methods

Oral exam: The Biochemistry exam consists of an interview conducted by the professors of the course (Prof. F. Flamigni, Prof.ssa S. Cetrullo, Prof. Agnetti, e Prof.ssa D'Adamo).


Partial grades obtained contribute to the final grade of the Biochemistry Course, resulting from an overall assessment that takes into account the credits of the various parts.

Teaching tools

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

 

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.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Cetrullo