General Biochemistry

Cell Biology and Organic chemistry (elementary)

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

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

1 – A holistic understanding of the structural and functional aspects of the biomolecules of the cell, the basic unit of an organism;

2 – Recognition of the importance of the structure-function relationship;

3 – Comprehension of the main biochemical reactions in living organisms and its role in health-disease;

4 – Understanding the main metabolic routes, the bioenergetics of the cell, its integration and regulation;

5 – Analysis of clinical short case studies to test knowledge, skills and competencies.

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

– Globally understand the cell functionning and thus the organism at the biochemical level;

– Identify the structure of the biomolecules and unsderstand the relationship structure-function;

– Recognize the principal biochemical reactions and its role in health-disease;

– Understand the fundamentals of bioenergetics and of cellular metabolism, and how its integration and regulation is achieved;

– Apply the knowledge, skills and competencies in the procedures for analysis and diagnosis.

Theoretical syllabus

BIOMOLECULES           

1. AMINO ACIDS                                                                                                                                        

– Structure and classification

– Acid-base characterization and importance as biological buffer systems

2. PROTEINS                                                                                                                                               

– Structure and function

– Globin family of proteins: case study

– Hemostatic mechanisms and biochemical mediators of vasoconstriction/vasodilation

3. ENZYMES                                                                                                                                                

– Classification

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

4. CARBOHYDRATES                                                                                                                                

– Structure and function

5. LIPIDS                                                                                                                                                     

– Structure and function

6. BIOENERGETICS AND CELLULAR METABOLISM

6.1 AMINO ACID METABOLISM/REGULATION                                                                                    

6.2 GLUCID METABOLISM/REGULATION                                                                                             

6.3 LIPID METABOLISM/REGULATION                                                                                                   

6.4 METABOLISM OVERVIEW/INTEGRATION/METABOLIC ADAPTATION                                      

7. INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM  and biomarkers                                                                                                  

Theoretical-pactical syllabus

Short case studies in Biochemistry

NAO

Recommended Bibliography

Quintas A, Freire AP, Halpern MJ. Organização Molecular da Vida, ed. Lidel.

Bioquímica Médica, Baynes & Dominiczak

Secondary bibliography

Bioquímica Ilustrada de Harper. McGrawHill. Ed. Lange

Lehninger-Principles of Biochemistry, International Edition, Nelson DL & Cox MM, MacMillan ed, WH Freeman and Company, NY, USA

Berg JM, Tymoczko JL, Stryer L. Bioquímica. Guanabara koogan