Biochemistry II

Cell and molecular biology; organic chemistry; Biochemistry I

The theoretical contents of the curricular unit will be presented through lectures, illustrated whenever possible with practical case-studies in which students are encouraged to use PBL-Problem Based Learning to apply the knowledge.

The teaching methodologies will also include group work dedicated to advanced search, critical review and discussion of relevant studies.

In practical lessons, laboratory classes will be dedicated to metabolic pathways, key metabolites and enzyme activity, in order to facilitate the comprehension of theoretical contents.

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

1- Identify the main metabolic routes, key-enzymes and hormones, the integration and regulation of metabolic pathways;

2- Diferentiate the main biochemical mechanisms in the different tissues;

3- Identify the mechanisms of adaptation in fasting, disease or physical exercise;

4- Give examples of biomarkers (biochemical markers) for the diagnosis or monitoring of treatment of inborn errors of metabolism;

5- Study examples of inborn errors of metabolism to be able to find the biochemical error;

6- Practical laboratory programme: Execute the experimental techniques for the quantification of metabolites of clinical interest, and learn to use diagnostic kits.

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

– Identify the main metabolic pathways, and the main regulatory mechanisms, either in a physiological condition or  adaptation;

– Describe inborn erros of metabolism, in terms of biochemical enzymatic defficiency, and show skills to communicate with the patient;

– Identifiy biomarkers (molecular or biochemical) for the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism or useful for the monitoring of treatment.

Practical laboratorial programme:

– Execute experimental techniques adequate to achieve the outcomes and all the calculations needed.

1. BIOENERGETICS AND CELLULAR METABOLISM

1.1 METABOLISM OF CARBOHYDRATES/REGULATION                                                                 

– Aerobic/Anaerobic pathways

– Catabolic and anabolic pathways

– Inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism: Case studies

1.2 METABOLISM OF LIPIDS/REGULATION                                                                                       

– Catabolic and anabolic pathways

– Inborn errors of lipid metabolism: Case studies

1.3 METABOLISM OF PROTEINS/REGULATION                                                                                 

– The pathways for the amino group and the carbon skeleton of amino acids

– Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism: Case studies

1.4 INTEGRATION OF METABOLISM                                                                                                      

– Cori cycle; Citric acid cycle; Oxidative phosphorilation

– Metabolism adaptation in fasting and in exercise

2. BIOMARKERS (biochemical markers)                                                                          

– Errors of metabolism: Biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment

3. Practical Laboratory Programme                                                      

– Study of metabolic pathways;

– Use of diagnostic kits

NAO