Biochemistry
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at providing information concerning the principal biochemical processes underlying the functions of cells and organisms. The course topics during theoretical classes will allow to understand the fundamental properties of biomolecules and how they interact to maintain and propagate the characteristics of living organisms. The practical activities carried out in the laboratory classes will allow to learn the fundamentals of some biochemical techniques used in biological and biomedical research.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student must know the main metabolic processes and properties and characteristics of the biological macromolecules involved. The student will know the fundamentals of the relationship between the structure and function of macromolecules, and the strategies for regulating their activity as well as the basic techniques applied in biochemical research.
About the application skills, the student will know how to use the correct biochemical terminology, evaluate the relationship between structure and function of biological macromolecules and interpret variations of the main parameters describing the variation in properties of biologically active molecules. He will also be able to understand the fundamental principles of metabolism integration to interpret pathophysiological events in animal and plant cells.
About the application skills, the student will know how to use the correct biochemical terminology, evaluate the relationship between structure and function of biological macromolecules and interpret variations of the main parameters describing the variation in properties of biologically active molecules. He will also be able to understand the fundamental principles of metabolism integration to interpret pathophysiological events in animal and plant cells.
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
Linea AL
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Frontal lessons: in the emergency phase they will be replaced with lessons on the TEAMS platform in synchronous and asynchronous mode
Computer lab exercises: in the emercency phase they will be replaced with lessons on theTEAMS platform in synchronous mode
Laboratory (wet lab): they will be replaced with videos, tutorials, seminars and case studies on the TEAMS platform in synchronous mode.
Exams: in the emergency phase they will be held on teh Zoom platform
Computer lab exercises: in the emercency phase they will be replaced with lessons on theTEAMS platform in synchronous mode
Laboratory (wet lab): they will be replaced with videos, tutorials, seminars and case studies on the TEAMS platform in synchronous mode.
Exams: in the emergency phase they will be held on teh Zoom platform
Course syllabus
The course provides information on the biochemical principles and processes underlying the functions of cells and organisms. The course allows you to understand the fundamental properties of biomolecules and how they interact to maintain and reproduce the characteristics of each living system.
Introduction: thermodynamic principles: weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Proteins: structure and function
Hemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose catabolism: glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: b-oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Elements of rumen metabolism
Intergration of metabolism
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through the membranes
Cellular regulation and principles of signal transduction
Outline of methods in biochemical research
· Spectrophotometric techniques
· Electrophoretic techniques
· Enzyme tests
EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Measurement of enzymatic activity
Protein electrophoresis
Analysis and quantification of metabolites in biological samples
Use of databases and programs for the study of the protein structure
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Introduction: thermodynamic principles: weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Proteins: structure and function
Hemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose catabolism: glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: b-oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Elements of rumen metabolism
Intergration of metabolism
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through the membranes
Cellular regulation and principles of signal transduction
Outline of methods in biochemical research
· Spectrophotometric techniques
· Electrophoretic techniques
· Enzyme tests
EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Measurement of enzymatic activity
Protein electrophoresis
Analysis and quantification of metabolites in biological samples
Use of databases and programs for the study of the protein structure
Send feedback
History
Saved
Community
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge already acquired by the student useful in order to follow the course of Biochemistry: General and cellular Biology, Physics, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons
Practical exercises in the laboratory
Exercises and seminars in computer rooms
Practical exercises in the laboratory
Exercises and seminars in computer rooms
Teaching Resources
Voet & Voet, Biochimica, Zanichelli
Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochimica, 6^ edizione, Zanichelli
Nelson, Cox, Principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, Zanichelli
Campbell & Farrell, Biochimica, Edisis
Garrett & Grisham, Principi di Biochimica, Piccin
Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochimica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
K. Wilson e J. Walker, Metodologia Biochimica, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milano
Iconographic material in digital format provided by the teacher
Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochimica, 6^ edizione, Zanichelli
Nelson, Cox, Principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, Zanichelli
Campbell & Farrell, Biochimica, Edisis
Garrett & Grisham, Principi di Biochimica, Piccin
Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochimica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
K. Wilson e J. Walker, Metodologia Biochimica, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milano
Iconographic material in digital format provided by the teacher
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exam methods: the exam will be divided into a written document with open questions on all the topics covered in class
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 9
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor:
Tedeschi Gabriella
Shifts:
Professor:
Tedeschi Gabriella
Turno 1
Professor:
Tedeschi GabriellaTurno 2
Professor:
Tedeschi GabriellaLinea MZ
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Teaching methods
The lessons will be held on the Microsoft Teams platform and part of them will take place in a classroom on a biweekly basis, following a calendar that will be communicated to students at the beginning of the course. The lessons can be followed both synchronously based on the timetable of the first semester and asynchronously because the recordings of the lessons will be made available to students on the same platform and possibly on Ariel platform.
Information about the organization of the lessons and how to access Microsoft Teams and any other information about teaching will be available on the ARIEL teaching site: it is therefore recommended to consult it regularly. According to the evolution of the epidemic and in compliance with the relevant regulations, it will be possible to modify the modalities of the activities planned in the classroom, informing students through ARIEL.
Program and reference material
The program and reference material will not be changed.
Methods of learning verification and evaluation criteria
The examination will be conducted orally using the Microsoft Teams platform or, where regulations permit, in attendance. The examination, in particular, will be aimed at:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and comprehension;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of topics typical of the subject (e.g. importance of metabolic pathways, methods of regulation, principles of structure of biologically active molecules, etc);
- ascertain the mastery of the specific language related to biochemistry;
- verify the student's ability to connect the various topics of the program and to have an holistic view of the subject.
There will be some formative evaluation activities through multiple-choice questions using digital platforms (e.g. Moodle). Participation in these activities will be necessary to access the oral test.
The lessons will be held on the Microsoft Teams platform and part of them will take place in a classroom on a biweekly basis, following a calendar that will be communicated to students at the beginning of the course. The lessons can be followed both synchronously based on the timetable of the first semester and asynchronously because the recordings of the lessons will be made available to students on the same platform and possibly on Ariel platform.
Information about the organization of the lessons and how to access Microsoft Teams and any other information about teaching will be available on the ARIEL teaching site: it is therefore recommended to consult it regularly. According to the evolution of the epidemic and in compliance with the relevant regulations, it will be possible to modify the modalities of the activities planned in the classroom, informing students through ARIEL.
Program and reference material
The program and reference material will not be changed.
Methods of learning verification and evaluation criteria
The examination will be conducted orally using the Microsoft Teams platform or, where regulations permit, in attendance. The examination, in particular, will be aimed at:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and comprehension;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of topics typical of the subject (e.g. importance of metabolic pathways, methods of regulation, principles of structure of biologically active molecules, etc);
- ascertain the mastery of the specific language related to biochemistry;
- verify the student's ability to connect the various topics of the program and to have an holistic view of the subject.
There will be some formative evaluation activities through multiple-choice questions using digital platforms (e.g. Moodle). Participation in these activities will be necessary to access the oral test.
Course syllabus
CLASSROOM LECTURES:
Introduction: principles of thermodynamics; weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Protein structure and function
Haemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose Catabolism: Glycolysis and Pentose Patch Phosphate Route
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: -oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Integration of metabolism
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through membranes
Cellular regulation and signal transduction principles
Notes on methods in biochemical research
- Spectrophotometric techniques
- Chromatographic techniques for the separation of biologically active molecules (excluding chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, HPLC, GLC)
- Electrophoretic techniques
- PCR and its applications
LABORATORY EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids
Genotyping of genetically modified animals by PCR
Analysis and quantification of nucleic acids in biological samples by quantitative PCR
Introduction: principles of thermodynamics; weak bonds and strong bonds in biochemistry
Protein structure and function
Haemoglobin and myoglobin: oxygen transport
Enzymes: kinetics, catalysis and regulation
Carbohydrate biochemistry
Glucose Catabolism: Glycolysis and Pentose Patch Phosphate Route
Glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
Photosynthesis and glyoxylate cycle
Structure, function of lipids and lipid metabolism: -oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, ketone bodies
The mevalonate route: cholesterol, isoprenoids, bile acids and steroid hormones
Amino acid metabolism
Integration of metabolism
Biological membranes and transport of solutes through membranes
Cellular regulation and signal transduction principles
Notes on methods in biochemical research
- Spectrophotometric techniques
- Chromatographic techniques for the separation of biologically active molecules (excluding chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, HPLC, GLC)
- Electrophoretic techniques
- PCR and its applications
LABORATORY EXERCISES
Spectrophotometric assay for the determination of proteins
Electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids
Genotyping of genetically modified animals by PCR
Analysis and quantification of nucleic acids in biological samples by quantitative PCR
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge already acquired by the student useful for a better understanding of the course of Biochemistry:
General and inorganic chemistry, General and cellular biology, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Genetics
General and inorganic chemistry, General and cellular biology, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Genetics
Teaching methods
Classroom lessons every two weeks; the other lessons will be held remotely via MS Teams platform and will also be recorded to be enjoyed asynchronously by each student.
The exercises are mandatory and will be held partly in the laboratory and partly at a distance through MS Teams platform, using, where available, other supporting materials.
The exercises are mandatory and will be held partly in the laboratory and partly at a distance through MS Teams platform, using, where available, other supporting materials.
Teaching Resources
Voet & Voet, Biochemistry, Zanichelli
Nelson, Cox, Principles of Biochemistry by Lehninger, 7th edition, Zanichelli
Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochemistry, 6th edition, Zanichelli
Campbell & Farrell, Biochemistry, Edisis
Garrett & Grisham, Principles of Biochemistry, Piccin
Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochemistry, Ambrosiana Publisher
K. Wilson and J. Walker, Biochemical Methodology, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milan
Iconographic material in digital format provided by the teacher
Recording of lectures given by the teacher
Nelson, Cox, Principles of Biochemistry by Lehninger, 7th edition, Zanichelli
Harper, Review of Biochemistry, 24th edition
Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Biochemistry, 6th edition, Zanichelli
Campbell & Farrell, Biochemistry, Edisis
Garrett & Grisham, Principles of Biochemistry, Piccin
Mathews, Van Holde, Ahern, Biochemistry, Ambrosiana Publisher
K. Wilson and J. Walker, Biochemical Methodology, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milan
Iconographic material in digital format provided by the teacher
Recording of lectures given by the teacher
Assessment methods and Criteria
Mode:
Individual oral test
Type:
Oral questions
Evaluation parameters:
Critical discussion of topics covered during frontal lessons and laboratory exercises, through which understanding, correctness, appropriateness of language, ability to connect different topics of the program and apply them to relevant biological questions will be evaluated
Type of evaluation:
Rated in thirtieths
Notification of results:
The results of the exams will be notified at the end of the test and will be recorded through the appropriate portal of reporting predisposed for each course
Individual oral test
Type:
Oral questions
Evaluation parameters:
Critical discussion of topics covered during frontal lessons and laboratory exercises, through which understanding, correctness, appropriateness of language, ability to connect different topics of the program and apply them to relevant biological questions will be evaluated
Type of evaluation:
Rated in thirtieths
Notification of results:
The results of the exams will be notified at the end of the test and will be recorded through the appropriate portal of reporting predisposed for each course
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 9
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor:
Crestani Maurizio
Shifts:
Professor:
Crestani Maurizio
Turno 1
Professor:
Crestani MaurizioTurno 2
Professor:
Crestani MaurizioProfessor(s)
Reception:
Ask for appointment
Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, via Balzaretti 9
Reception:
By appointment via email