Biochemistry

A.Y. 2021/2022
9
Max ECTS
80
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/10
Language
Italian
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.
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
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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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
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
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
Professor: Tedeschi Gabriella
Shifts:
Professor: Tedeschi Gabriella
Turno 1
Professor: Tedeschi Gabriella
Turno 2
Professor: Tedeschi Gabriella

Linea MZ

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
In relation to the modalities of delivery of training activities for the 2021/22 academic year, more specific information will be provided in the coming months, based on the evolution of the health situation.
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
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
Teaching methods
Classes will be held in the classroom according to the schedule that will be communicated to the students. In case of a medical emergency, lessons will be held partly in person and partly at a distance in synchronous mode through MS Teams, according to the University rules. Any lessons held at a distance will be recorded so that they can also be used in asynchronous mode by each student.
Exercises are mandatory and will be held in the laboratory. In case of health emergency, the exercises will be held partly in the laboratory and partly at a distance through the MS Teams platform, using, where available, other supporting materials, according to the University rules.
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
Assessment methods and Criteria
Mode:
Individual oral test

Type:
Due to the COVID-19 emergency the exam will be oral through the MS Teams platform. If social distancing regulations allow it, the exam will be in-person.
The exam will be with oral questions on the topics illustrated to students during the classes, with the aim of assessing how the concepts have been acquired.

Methods of verification of learning and evaluation criteria:
The oral exam will be conducted using the Microsoft Teams platform or, where the health emergency permits, in-person (see above).
The exam will be a critical discussion of the topics covered during the lectures and laboratory exercises, through which understanding, correctness, appropriateness of language, ability to connect the different topics of the program and to apply them to relevant biological issues will be evaluated.
The examination, in particular, will aim to:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of typical topics of the subject (e.g., importance of metabolic pathways, how they are regulated, principles of structure of biologically active molecules, etc.); and
- 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 a holistic view of the entire subject.

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
Professor: Crestani Maurizio
Shifts:
Professor: Crestani Maurizio
Turno 1
Professor: Crestani Maurizio
Turno 2
Professor: Crestani Maurizio
Professor(s)
Reception:
Ask for appointment
Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, via Balzaretti 9
Reception:
By appointment via email