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

Module 1 (Protein Chemistry)

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.

Module 2 (enzymatic catalysis)

Catalytic action of enzymes. Mechanisms of reactions catalyzed by enzymes. 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.

Teaching methods

The lectures will deal with the structural and functional aspects of proteins.

Assessment methods

Students will be tested with an oral exam. The latter will verify the knowledge about recombinant cells used for the industrial production of drugs.

Teaching tools

PC, projector

 

Office hours

See the website of Patrizia Brigidi

See the website of Carla Boga