00061 - Biochemistry

Learning outcomes

The course provides knowledge in the human metabolism and fundamentals of hormonal metabolic regulations.

Course contents

Prerequisites: To best approach the learning experience, it is helpful to have basic knowledge of general chemistry and organic chemistry. The lecturer will, however, briefly resume the main concepts necessary for a better understanding of the course topics.

Course Contents: Introduction to the study of biochemistry. Composition of living matter and introduction to the study of biomolecules. Water as a solvent: properties of aqueous solutions. Osmotic pressure: biological implications. pH and biological buffers.

Carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. Lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids and sterols. Nucleosides, nucleotides and polynucleotides. DNA and RNA. Structure and properties of amino acids. Peptide bond. The structural levels of protein organization. Classification of proteins. Examples of fibrous and globular proteins: collagen, myoglobin, hemoglobin.

Structure, function and classification of enzymes. Mechanism of catalysis. Regulation of enzyme activity. Hydrosoluble vitamins and coenzymes.

Bioenergetics. Introduction to metabolism: catabolism and anabolism. High-energy compounds. Role of ATP in metabolism. Carbohydrate metabolism. Glycolysis. Lactate recycling and muscle metabolism. Glycogenesis and glycogenolysis. Gluconeogenesis. Insulin, glucagon and adrenaline: glycemia regulation. Krebs cycle. Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Notes on lipid metabolism: Lipolysis, beta-oxidation of fatty acids, ketone bodies.

Readings/Bibliography

E. Chiricozzi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini, V. Tugnoli "Elementi di Chimica e Biochimica" EdiSES

M. Stefani, N. Taddei “Chimica Biochimica e Biologia applicata” Zanichell

Teaching material can be downloaded through Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Short guided problem-solving activities, interactive classroom quizzes.

Assessment methods

Exam sessions: oral examination in Biochemistry and Applied Biology. Contextual sufficient grades in both disciplines are required.

Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:

Knowledge of a very limited number of topics; analytical ability that emerges only with the help of the teacher; exposition of concepts and language acceptable as a whole → 18-19;

Knowledge of a limited number of topics; ability to analyse independently only on purely executive issues; exposition and language generally correct → 20-24;

Knowledge of a large number of topics, but with some inaccuracies; ability to analyze and link independently. Exposure of concepts in the right succession and with appropriate language → 25-29;

Full preparation, consolidated and without inaccuracies on the topics covered in the course. Ability to promptly frame the topic. Ability to analyze and connect independently different topics. Concepts in the right succession and full command of the specific language with some original elaboration by the student → 30-30L.

The final mark of the integrated courese is the average of the results obtained in the individual disciplines of the course (Biochemistry, Applied Biology, Anatomy, Physiology).

To book an exam, the student must use AlmaEsami (https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm).

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) 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.

As for learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Teaching material can be downloaded through Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Scientific videos to clarify metabolic processes. Self-assessment tools will be provided.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Taddei