Methods in Biochemistry

A.Y. 2018/2019
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/10
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The purpose of this course is to train students in the main biochemical methods. The treatment of such methods is based on the chemical or physical principles on which the techniques are based, explaining the experimental results and their interpretation. There are also numerous examples of applications in academic and industrial research and medical and diagnostic fields.
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Course syllabus
- Basic Techniques of Analysis and Purification of Proteins (Omogenization, Centrifugation, Chromatography, Electrophoresis)
- Spectroscopic methods (absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and circular dichroism), evaluation of biological activity (biological activity assays, doses of enzymatic activity).
- Structural Biology Techniques
- Techniques for protein-protein or protein-ligand interaction analysis.
- Antibodies: structure and function. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. ELISA, Western Blott and Phage display. Use of antibodies in diagnosis and therapy, humanised antibodies.
- Protein Engineering Techniques: Direct site mutagenesis, Random Mutagenesis (directed evolution, molecular breeding: PCR error error, DNA shuffling, ITCHY). Methods for screening protein variants obtained by mutagenesis.
- Enzymes: Enzyme dosages, use of enzymes to titrate metabolites.
- Protein classes of industrial interest and therapy: Blood proteins (coagulation factors, clot lysis), Proteases, lipases, amylases, thermostable enzymes, immobilized enzymes, biosensors.
- During the course several examples of research published in scientific journals are discussed.



Reference Material
K.Wilson & J.M.Walker
Principles and techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cambridge University Press

M. Stoppini & V. Bellotti
Biochimica Applicata
EdiSES



Prerequisites and examination procedures
Students are expected to have basic knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology. Exams are written tests consisting of open questions.


Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons


Language of instruction
Italian


Recommended Prerequisites
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor: Ricagno Stefano
Professor(s)