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, and the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis. Moreover, the student will also get acquainted with the use of enzymes in industrial processes, even with specific examples.

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 and protein domains. Enzymatic kinetics. Catalytic action of enzymes and their classification. Mechanisms of reactions catalyzed by enzymes: oxidoreductases, hydrolases, isomerases. Enzyme immobilization. Enzymes in unconventional environments.  Biosensors. Extremophilic organisms and their enzymes of industrial interest. Industrial examples of enzymatic processes.

The teaching participates in the University's teaching innovation project.

Readings/Bibliography

Presentations used during lessons by the teacher and accessible on the Virtual platform [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en].

Texts for further information:

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

Lessons supported by electronic presentations. The teacher is willing to receive students outside the lesson time for additional explanations and/or discussion. The lectures will deal with the structural and functional aspects of proteins. Examples of industrial processes involving enzymes in key steps will be proposed.The teaching participates in the University's teaching innovation project. As part of the teaching innovation project, supplementary digital teaching activities (DDI) will be organized to make up for any gaps in preparation.

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. Assessment criteria for the test: the final grade will be expressed out of thirty.

Final grade:
Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical ability that emerges only with the instructor's assistance, generally correct language → 18-19;
Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and independent analysis ability only on purely executive questions, correct language → 20-24;
Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis choices, mastery of specific terminology → 25-30.

Teaching tools

Electronic presentations of classroom lectures by the teachers will be available on-line through the online pedagogical platform [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en] .

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/for-students ) 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.

Office hours

See the website of Carla Boga