65951 - Biochemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student would acquire the basic knowledge of biomolecules and macromolecules of biological interest (sugars, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids) involved in cell biochemical arrangements and metabolic processes. Moreover, the student becomes familar with essential biochemical concepts: enzyme function and catalysis, intermediary metabolism, cell signalling and metabolic regulation.

Course contents

The syllabus is structured as follows:

• Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins: the aminoacids and the peptide bond; protein structures and function.
• Enzymes: enzyme kinetics and regulation of enzyme activity.
• Carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.
• Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids: nucleotides and nucleic acids structure; function of nucleotides.
• Lipids: storage lipids and structural lipids in membranes; lipids as signals, cofactors and pigments.
• Biological Membranes and Transport: the composition and architecture of membranes; solute transport across membranes.
• Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway: glycolysis steps and feeder pathways for glycolysis; gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway; principles of metabolic regulation.
• Metabolism of Glycogen: glycogen syntesis, breakdonwn and regulation.
• The Citric Acid Cycle: production of acetyl-CoA, reaction and regulation of the citric acid cycle.
• Fatty acid catabolism: oxidation of fatty acdids and ketone bodies production; fatty acid catabolism regualtion .
• Amino Acid Oxidation and the Production of Urea: metabolic fates of amino groups and nitrogen excretion by urea cycle.
• Oxidative Phosphorylation: morphology and function of mitochondria; electron transfer reactions in mitochondria and respiratory complexes; the ATP synthase and reguylation of oxidative phosphorylation.
• Lipid Biosynthesis: biosynthesis of fatty acids, triacylglyceros, membrane phospholipids and cholesterol; regulation of lipid biosynthesis.
• Hormonal Regulation of Metabolism: insulin, glucagon and adrenaline in the regulation of cellular metabolism.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Required reading:

1. David L Nelson, Michael M Cox. "I principi di biochimica di Lehninger" Ottava edizione A cura di Edon Melloni (2022) ed. Zanichelli;

2. David L Nelson, Michael M Cox. "Introduzione alla biochimica di Lehninger" Sesta edizione A cura di Edon Melloni (2018) ed. Zanichelli;

3. J. Koolman, K.H. Roehm. "Testo atlante di Biochimica" Seconda edizione - Zanichelli.

4. L. Pollegioni. "Fondamenti di Biochimica" ed. EdiSES.

Teaching methods

The course includes theoretical lectures.

The presentation of each subject is supported by the simultaneous projection of illustrations and schemes to facilitate understanding. Seminars could be requested by students to deepen subjects of specific aquaculture interest.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment involves an oral test. During the test it will be placed at least three questions with the same weight. Any mid-term tests may be carried out during the course, in agreement with the students.

In evaluating the oral exam, the instructor will use the following grading scale:

- Basic understanding of only a few course topics; analysis skills emerge only with the instructor’s help; generally correct language → 18–22

- Limited knowledge of several topics; independent analysis only on procedural issues; correct language use → 23–26

- Broad knowledge of course topics; ability to make autonomous critical judgments; mastery of discipline-specific terminology → 27–29

- Comprehensive understanding of course content; fully independent critical analysis and connections; excellent command of terminology and argumentation skills → 30–30 with honors

The result of the oral exam will be communicated at the end of the session. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by the average of the grades from the various parts of the exam, expressed out of 30). A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record. Students may reject the final grade only once by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Salvatore Nesci.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

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.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, videos.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Nesci