Biochemistry

Cell biology

The theoretical contents of the curricular unit will be presented through lectures, with active methodologies, illustrated whenever possible with the use of PBL-problem-based learning, also through short-case studies and exercises in which students are encouraged to apply knowledge and develop skills.

The intended learning outcomes of the curricular unit of Biochemistry are the following:

1 – The study of the relationship between the chemical structure and the function of the biomolecules in the cell;

2 – To study the main metabolic pathways, key-enzymes and regulatory hormones involved;

3 – To have an integrated view of the metabolism, its regulation, and adaptation mechanisms;

5 – The identification of biomarkers for the diagnosis of different clinical conditions, and associate with specificity and sensitivity.

At the end of this curricular unit, students should be able to:

-Identify the functional groups in the structure of the biomolecules, and relate with its function;

– As for enzymes, recognize the importance of catalysis, kinetics and inhibition;

– Distinguish catabolism from anabolism and relate with cell bioenergetics;

– List key-enzymes, associate with the metabolic route, and the regulatory hormones;

– Under different conditions (non-fasting state, fasting, disease, exercise), identify the activated metabolic pathways;

– As for the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism, identify the higher specificity biomarkers;

– Resolve exercises and short-case studies in Biochemistry of the metabolism.

Theoretical syllabus

BIOMOLECULES           

1. AMINO ACIDS  and PROTEINS                                                                                                                                      

– Structure and function

– Globin family of proteins: case study

– Hemostatic mechanisms and biochemical mediators of vasoconstriction/vasodilation

2. ENZYMES                                                                                                                                                

– Mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis; Enzymatic kinetics; Enzymatics regulation; Mechanisms of enzymatic inhibition

3. CARBOHYDRATES                                                                                                                                

– Structure and function

4. LIPIDS                                                                                                                                                     

– Structure and function

5. BIOENERGETICS AND CELLULAR METABOLISM

5.1 GLUCID METABOLISM/REGULATION                                                                                    

5.2 LIPID METABOLISM/REGULATION                                                                                             

5.3 AMINO ACID METABOLISM/REGULATION                                                                                                   

5.4 METABOLISM OVERVIEW/INTEGRATION/METABOLIC ADAPTATION                                      

6. INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM and biomarkers                                                                                                  

Theoretical-pactical syllabus

Short case studies in metabolic Biochemistry

NAO