37200 - Chemistry andBiochemistry I (LZ-B)

Learning outcomes

The main objective of this course is to provide knowledge on the following subjects:

the general characteristics of chemical reactions (stoichiometry, kinetics and spontaneous reactions);

the properties of the chemical components of the living organisms: structure and properties of simple and complex carbohydrates and lipids;

the thermodynamic aspects of biochemical processes and the basis of cellular bioenergetics;

the structural and functional properties of proteins;

the enzyme mechanism of action and kinetics; regulation of biochemical reactions rate;

the structure of nucleic acids and the description of the mechanisms involved in DNA replication, transcription and translation (protein synthesis).

Course contents

Main classes of organic compounds. Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alkyl halogenides, alcohols, phenols, thioalcols, amines, aldeydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives (esters, thioesters, amides, anhidrydes).

Structure and properties of the main biologically important organic compound. Optically active compounds. Carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides, olisaccharides and polisaccharides. Lipids: fatty acids, mono-, di- and triglycerides, sfingolipids, phospholipids and cholesterol.

Purines and pirimidines. Nucleosides, nucleotides and polynucleotides.

Aminoacids. Distintive functional groups. Essential and non essential aminoacids. Classes of aminoacids. Peptidic bond.

Readings/Bibliography

Teacher ppt

Teaching methods

Frontal lection

Assessment methods

Knowledge of Chemistry and General Biochemistry will be assessed with a written examination. Candidates will be given 2 hours to complete 5 open-ended questions (3 on general chemistry and 2 on organic chemistry) and 26 multiple choice questions (1 right answer over 4 possible choices), of which: 10 on amino acids, proteins and enzymes; 5 on co-enzymes and bioenergetics; and 11 on nucleic acids. Every part of the test will be evaluated by the teacher who had covered that portion of the program. Every partial evaluation will contribute with a proportional weight in CFU to determine the score of the 1^st semester (9 credits total) expressed in 30^th (with the possibility of cum laude).

The score of Chemistry and General Biochemistry (1^st semester) will be annotated on Alma esami and will contribute to the single, final score of the C.I. Biochemistry (1^st+ 2^nd semester), which will be registered. It is mandatory to pass the examination that covers the 1^st semester program in order to be able to take the (oral) examination covering that of the 2^nd semester. The score from the 1^st semester examination will be valid for 2 years.

Teaching tools

ppt slides

Office hours

See the website of Vitaliano Tugnoli