Biochemistry
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course will provide fundamental concepts on how the cell works based on its architecture, (macro)molecular components, metabolisms, and role of genetic information.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire an operative understanding that will enable them to work within a bioinformatics context, with full control and understanding of the acting molecular partners and their interactions.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Fundamentals of cell architecture. Membranes, organelles and their functions, cell compartments, ribosome.
Introduction to biological macromolecules. Proteins as polymers of amino acids; nucleotides in relation to energetic considerations; nucleic acids as polymers of nucleotides; polysaccharides and lipids (hints). Fundamentals of sequence data bases (nucleic acids, proteins). Sequence alignment tools.
Nucleic acids functionality in protein synthesis. DNA and RNA structures. basic concepts in transcription and translation. Chromatin structure
Protein structure: the peptide bond, Ramachandran plot, secondary and higher level structures. Protein Data Bank (PDB), computational biology and data bases, macromolecular dynamics and their simulations
Protein functions, enzymes: catalysis, enzyme kinetics (hints), role of catalysis in metabolism.
Thermodynamics of metabolisms. Biochemical thermodynamics; ATP, energy transfer, coupling of endo-/exo-ergonic reactions.
Energetic metabolism. from glucose to CO2: Glycolysis, pyruvate oxidase, tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transfer, oxidative phosphorylation.
General concepts. Linking of the above concepts to cell functionality; examples of pathology.
Introduction to biological macromolecules. Proteins as polymers of amino acids; nucleotides in relation to energetic considerations; nucleic acids as polymers of nucleotides; polysaccharides and lipids (hints). Fundamentals of sequence data bases (nucleic acids, proteins). Sequence alignment tools.
Nucleic acids functionality in protein synthesis. DNA and RNA structures. basic concepts in transcription and translation. Chromatin structure
Protein structure: the peptide bond, Ramachandran plot, secondary and higher level structures. Protein Data Bank (PDB), computational biology and data bases, macromolecular dynamics and their simulations
Protein functions, enzymes: catalysis, enzyme kinetics (hints), role of catalysis in metabolism.
Thermodynamics of metabolisms. Biochemical thermodynamics; ATP, energy transfer, coupling of endo-/exo-ergonic reactions.
Energetic metabolism. from glucose to CO2: Glycolysis, pyruvate oxidase, tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transfer, oxidative phosphorylation.
General concepts. Linking of the above concepts to cell functionality; examples of pathology.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites different from those required for admission to the Master Degree program
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures, with slides and blackboard schemes. Slides for all presentations will be provided before the lectures.
Teaching Resources
Suggested texts:
- Appling, Antony-Cahill & Mathews: Biochimica, Molecole e Metabolismo (Pearson 2017)
- Nelson D.L. & Cox M.M. - Lehninger's Principles of Biochemistry, Worth Publishers
- Voet D. & Voet, J.G. - Biochemistry, Wiley & Sons.
- Appling, Antony-Cahill & Mathews: Biochimica, Molecole e Metabolismo (Pearson 2017)
- Nelson D.L. & Cox M.M. - Lehninger's Principles of Biochemistry, Worth Publishers
- Voet D. & Voet, J.G. - Biochemistry, Wiley & Sons.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exams will be based on a written test. A series of questions will address different topics covered during the course, to which descriptive answers, including graphs, chemical formulas and equations, are expected.
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lectures: 48 hours
Professor:
Bolognesi Martino
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Bolognesi Martino