Environmental Biochemistry and Microbiology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to train the student on the structure, function and interaction of biomolecules, with particular reference to: i) metabolic processes and their regulation mechanisms; ii) information translation mechanisms, from informational molecules to cellular functions; iii) modalities of degradation of complex molecules and energy generation.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will know: i) the general bases of bacterial biochemistry that will be used to understand concepts related to higher cellular mechanisms, ii) the principles relating to the engineering of microorganisms for industrial or bioremediation purposes, ii) the principles related to symbioses and interactions between organisms.
The course will allow the student to acquire competences related to various methodologies and basic instrumentations for biochemical analysis relating to biochemical techniques for monitoring environmental pollutants, energy production and bioremediation.
The course will allow the student to acquire competences related to various methodologies and basic instrumentations for biochemical analysis relating to biochemical techniques for monitoring environmental pollutants, energy production and bioremediation.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
At the end of the Biochemistry course, the student will be able to describe:
-the four main biomolecule classes that constitute the cell (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids)
- the main interactions that govern biomolecular interactions, bioenergetics and acid-base concepts and pH.
- the four levels of protein structural organization
- the general properties of enzymes, key catalytic mechanisms and modes of regulation (inhibition and activation).
- Carbohydrates and oxidative metabolism and fermentation processes.
- the interconnections between lipid and amino acid metabolism with the Krebs cycle.
- Photosynthesis
- Biochemical techniques for studying DNA and proteins
When possible, each topic will be linked to environmental aspects.
At the end of the Environmental Microbiology course, the student will know how to describe:
- The structure and function of prokaryotic cells:
· Cell membrane and cell wall
· Bacterial DNA: genome, plasmids and horizontal gene transfer
· Transcription and examples of mechanisms controlling gene expression (nutrient-based regulation, quorum sensing)
- Microorganisms in the environment:
· Bacterial biofilms
· Energy metabolism and brief overview of biogeochemical cycles (carbon and nitrogen)
· Molecular taxonomy, overview of Next generation sequencing techniques and metagenomics for studying microbial communities in the environment.
· Interactions between microorganisms, plants, and animals: symbiosis
· Examples of applied environmental microbiology: bioremediation
All topics will be treated, whenever possible, in an environmental perspective.
-the four main biomolecule classes that constitute the cell (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids)
- the main interactions that govern biomolecular interactions, bioenergetics and acid-base concepts and pH.
- the four levels of protein structural organization
- the general properties of enzymes, key catalytic mechanisms and modes of regulation (inhibition and activation).
- Carbohydrates and oxidative metabolism and fermentation processes.
- the interconnections between lipid and amino acid metabolism with the Krebs cycle.
- Photosynthesis
- Biochemical techniques for studying DNA and proteins
When possible, each topic will be linked to environmental aspects.
At the end of the Environmental Microbiology course, the student will know how to describe:
- The structure and function of prokaryotic cells:
· Cell membrane and cell wall
· Bacterial DNA: genome, plasmids and horizontal gene transfer
· Transcription and examples of mechanisms controlling gene expression (nutrient-based regulation, quorum sensing)
- Microorganisms in the environment:
· Bacterial biofilms
· Energy metabolism and brief overview of biogeochemical cycles (carbon and nitrogen)
· Molecular taxonomy, overview of Next generation sequencing techniques and metagenomics for studying microbial communities in the environment.
· Interactions between microorganisms, plants, and animals: symbiosis
· Examples of applied environmental microbiology: bioremediation
All topics will be treated, whenever possible, in an environmental perspective.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Lessons consist of frontal lectures supported by projected material. Students will be stimulated to participate actively to the lesson/discussions. Attendance is strongly encouraged to permit active student-teacher exchange and productive discussions.
The biochemistry part of the course will be supported by optional online quizzes (via the Microsoft Teams platform) at the end of each lesson and animations. All materials will be made available on the Ariel course website.
The biochemistry part of the course will be supported by optional online quizzes (via the Microsoft Teams platform) at the end of each lesson and animations. All materials will be made available on the Ariel course website.
Teaching Resources
A specific biochemistry text is not required. Lesson slides were prepared using images taken from the following reduced texts:
- Principi di biochimica (Editore Zanichelli). Autori: Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet e Charlotte W. Pratt.
- I principi di biochimica di Lehninger (Editore Zanichelli). Autori: Davide L. Nelson e Michael M. Cox.
-Biochimica: Molecole e metabolismo (Editore Pearson). Autori: Dean R. Appling, Spencer J. Anthony-Cahill and Christopher K. Matthews
Preparation for the Environmental Microbiology exam does not require a specific text. Scientific articles used for the course will be available at the end of each lesson. However, as a reference, students can use the following book:
- Biologia dei microrganismi (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana). Authors: Gianni Dehò e Enrica Galli
- Principi di biochimica (Editore Zanichelli). Autori: Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet e Charlotte W. Pratt.
- I principi di biochimica di Lehninger (Editore Zanichelli). Autori: Davide L. Nelson e Michael M. Cox.
-Biochimica: Molecole e metabolismo (Editore Pearson). Autori: Dean R. Appling, Spencer J. Anthony-Cahill and Christopher K. Matthews
Preparation for the Environmental Microbiology exam does not require a specific text. Scientific articles used for the course will be available at the end of each lesson. However, as a reference, students can use the following book:
- Biologia dei microrganismi (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana). Authors: Gianni Dehò e Enrica Galli
Assessment methods and Criteria
Each part of the course (biochemistry and environmental microbiology) will contribute equally to the overall grade in the final written exam. The two parts may be carried out in different exam sessions. The biochemistry part of the exam consists of multiple choice questions to assess global understanding of the whole course, and two open questions to assess a more specific understanding of core course topics. The environmental microbiology part will be evaluated in the same way.
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Gourlay Louise Jane, Rossi Elio
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon request
Towerblock 5B, Dep. Biosciences, Via celoria 26, 20133
Reception:
Contact for an appointment
Online