66690 - Enzyme Sructure Catalysis

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Course, the student will get acquainted with structural biochemistry and enzyme kinetics. In particular, the student will learn how to inspect protein structure, the principles of protein engineering, and the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis. Finally, the student will also get acquainted with the use of enzymes in industrial processes.

Course contents

Amino acids and proteins. The peptide bond. Peptide units as constitutive protected elements. Secondary structure: alpha helix, beta strand. Tertiary structure. Structural motifs: alpha, beta and alpha / beta proteins. Enzymatic kinetics. Catalytic action of enzymes. Mechanisms of reactions catalyzed by enzymes. Enzyme immobilization. Enzymes in unconventional environments. Protein and enzyme engineering. Biosensors. Industrial examples of enzymatic processes.

Readings/Bibliography

Branden & Tooze, Introduzione alla struttura delle proteine, Zanichelli, Bologna; Fersht: Struttura e meccanismi d’azione degli enzimi, Zanichelli, Bologna.

G. A. Petsko, D. Ringe: 'Struttura e funzione delle proteine' Ed. Zanichelli 2006.

Teaching methods

The lectures will deal with the structural and functional aspects of proteins. Examples of industrial processes involving enzymes in key steps will be proposed.

Assessment methods

Students will be tested with an oral exam. The latter will verify the knowledge about the chemistry of the proteins and the enzimatic catalysis with examples of its industrial use.

Teaching tools

PC, videoprojector and whiteboard for lectures. The material projected during the lectures will be available via web.

Office hours

See the website of Carla Boga