Cell Metabolism and Bioenergetics

The theoretical teaching is based on oral presentations supported by multimedia presentations. Discussion of the fundamentals of the experimental work to be carried out (at the beginning of the experimental classes) and of the results obtained and their interpretation (at the end of the classes). In the theoretical-practical component, a space for discussion on the topics under study and their application in other contexts will be provided, with students encouraged to conduct a prior reading of the recommended bibliography. The theoretical-practical component includes a laboratory component per module and discussion of scientific articles.

The aim is for students to be able to:

1. Compare and understand different anabolic and catabolic cellular pathways existing in living beings belonging to the three Domains of Life.

2. Understand the oxidation pathways for obtaining energy.

3. Integrate the various cellular metabolic pathways.

A cross-cutting objective is the development of critical thinking.

1. Cellular Bioenergetics

1.1. Bioenergetics and Introduction to Metabolism.

1.2. Carbohydrate Metabolism: Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis; Krebs Cycle; Respiratory complexes, electron transport, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation; Pentose phosphate pathway; Uronic acid pathway; Glycogen biosynthesis and degradation.

1.3. Lipid Metabolism: Fatty acid catabolism;

1.4. Amino acid catabolism.

2. Non-oxidative Metabolic Pathways

2.1. Fatty acid anabolism; Biosynthesis of triglycerides, phosphoglycerides, and sphingolipids; Cholesterol biosynthesis and its regulation; Biosynthesis of cholesterol derivatives: bile acids and steroid hormones; Lipid transport: lipoprotein metabolism.

2.2. Nitrogen compound metabolism: Amino acid biosynthesis; Purine biosynthesis and catabolism: regulation; Pyrimidine biosynthesis and catabolism; Biosynthesis of ribo- and deoxyribonucleotides.

2.3. Integration of Metabolism.

NAO