69849 - Structural Biochemistry I

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the main organic compounds and is able to identify the main functional groups in biological molecules and macromolecules, glucids, nucleotides, nucleic acids and vitamins.

Course contents

Carbon chemistry: hybrid atomic orbitals and spatial arrangement of atoms of organic molecules. Hydrocarbon classification and nomenclature: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, linear and branched hydrocarbons, cyclic hydrocarbons, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The main functional groups and the related organic compounds: alcohols, ethers, amines, ketones, aldehydes, hemiacetals and acetals, carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid derivatives (esters, amides, anhydrides). The organic reactions of biochemical interest: additions, eliminations, substitution and group transfer reactions, redox reactions. Ionic and radical reactions. Chemical elements of biomolecules. The biomolecules as polyfunctional organic compounds. Carbohydrates, nucleotides and vitamins: structure and role in the animal body and metabolism. Carbohydrates or glucids: monosaccharides and derivatives, di- and oligosaccharides, polysaccharides. The nucleotides as constituents and precursors of nucleic acids, coenzymes and metabolites. Structures of DNA and RNA. Hydrosoluble vitamins (B group and ascorbic acid) and liposoluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): structural features, biological role, carential symptoms.

Readings/Bibliography

• K.J. Denniston, J.J. Topping, R.L. Caret Chimica generale, chimica organica, propedeutica biochimica. McGraw Hill 2012 ISBN 978-88-386-6752-7
• F.A. Bettelheim, W.H. Brown, M.K. Campbell, S.O. Farrell.  Chimica e propedeutica biochimica. EdiSES 2012 ISBN  978-88-7959-542-1
• E.Santaniello, M.Alberghina, M. Coletta, S. Marini Principi di chimica generale ed organica per i corsi di laurea a indirizzo bio-medico. Piccin 2013 ISBN 978-88-299-2202-4.
• M.Stefani, N. Taddei. Chimica, biochimica e biologia applicata. Zanichelli 2015 ISBN 978-88-08-15227-5

Lesson slides will be available online.

Teaching methods

Lessons will cover the programme topics illustrated with the aid of slides, animations, molecular models.

Assessment methods

The course is part of the Integrated Course Chemistry and Structural Biochemistry which also embraces Chemistry and Structural Biochemistry II. The final score of the exam is based on the synthesis of the three course evaluations, obtained at the same time. The examining board is formed by Dr Fabiana Trombetti (who records exam marks) and Prof. Alessandra Pagliarani.

In agreement with students, a written open-answer test on selected program topics may be proposed. The written test is not mandatory and the result will never prevent students from taking the final oral exam. However, a successfully passed test may constitute a valuable basis of the student's learning of the topics of Structural Biochemistry I.

The final oral exam is aimed at evaluating the achievement of the following learning objectives:

• Capability of efficiently gathering information
• Capability of identifying the functional groups and their properties
• Capability of recognizing the functional groups in biomolecules, particularly in glucides, nucleotides and vitamins
• Capability of relating the structure of glucides, nucleotides and vitamins to their role and function in the animal body

In the evaluation of responses, special attention will be paid to the connections between topics and the clarity of presentation. Students will be able to demonstrate their skills in applying the specific knowledge of the course contents  to general topics of animal health and biology.

Detailed information on exam booking, sessions and calls is available on Dr. Trombetti's website. 

Teaching tools

pc, videoprojector, molecular models

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Pagliarani