00061 - Biochemistry

Learning outcomes

The course provides knowledge in the following areas:

• properties of aqueous solutions in relation to cell structural and functional characteristics;
• functional properties of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids;
• structural and functional properties of hemoglobin and toxicity of carbon monoxide;
• characteristics of cell membranes;
• mechanism of enzymatic action.

Course contents

Prerequisites: To best approach the learning experience, it is helpful to have basic knowledge of general chemistry and organic chemistry (Chemistry I.C.). 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. Aqueous environment is suitable for life. Weak interactions in aqueous systems and their biological importance. Osmotic pressure: biological implications. pH buffering mechanisms in biological systems.

Structure and function of carbohydrates. Glucose homopolysaccharides and heteropolysaccharides.

Structure of nucleosides and nucleotides. Nucleosides mono-, di- and triphosphate (ATP). Biological functions of nucleotides. Structure and function of DNA and RNA.

Structure and function of triglycerides, phospholipids and sterols. Lipid transport in blood plasma: lipoproteins.

Structure and classification of alfa-amino acids. Acid-base properties. Peptide bond. The structural levels of protein organization. Classification of proteins. Structure and function of fibrous and globular proteins: collagen, alfa-keratin, myoglobin, hemoglobin. Structure, function and classification of enzymes. Mechanism of catalysis. Regulation of enzyme activity. Hydrosoluble vitamins and coenzymes.

Composition, structure and function of cell membranes. Ionic pumps (Na^+/K⁺ ATPase) and ion channels.

Notes on carbohydrate metabolism: glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis and glycogenolysis. Krebs cycle. Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation.

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” Zanichelli

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

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Short guided problem-solving activities, interactive classroom quizzes.

Assessment methods

Written examination with multiple-choice questions (16 questions in 30'). The final mark is the arithmetic average of the results obtained in the individual disciplines of the course (Biochemistry and Biology). 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 biochemical processes.

Self-assessment tools will be provided.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Taddei