Biochemistry
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student will be able to describe the fundamental concepts on how the cell functions, based on its architecture, (macro)molecular components, metabolism, and the role of genetic information. Students will acquire an operative understanding of biochemistry, which will enable them to work within a bioinformatics context, with full comprehension of the key molecular players involved.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this class , the students are expected to be able to understand the chemical basis of the structures and interactions of biological molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) that will be the main subject of study of the other courses of the degree, and to be able to apply the knowledge acquired to the interpretation of the results of the bioinformatic analysis of biomolecular data.
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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The following course topics will be covered:
- Introduction to biological macromolecules as the building blocks of living cells: Proteins as polymers of amino acids; nucleotides in relation to energetic considerations; nucleic acids as polymers of nucleotides; polysaccharides and lipids (basic).
- Protein structure: the peptide bond, primary, secondary and higher-level structure organisation. When appropriate, connections will be made to online servers used for the analysis of protein sequences and structures.
- Protein function, with a main focus on enzymes: catalysis, enzyme kinetics (basic), regulation and role of catalysis in metabolism.
- Thermodynamics of metabolism. Biochemical thermodynamics principles; ATP, energy transfer, coupling of endergonic/exergonic reactions.
- Energy metabolism. From glucose to CO2: Glycolysis, oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transfer chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
- General biochemistry concepts and methods to analyse macromolecules.
- Introduction to biological macromolecules as the building blocks of living cells: Proteins as polymers of amino acids; nucleotides in relation to energetic considerations; nucleic acids as polymers of nucleotides; polysaccharides and lipids (basic).
- Protein structure: the peptide bond, primary, secondary and higher-level structure organisation. When appropriate, connections will be made to online servers used for the analysis of protein sequences and structures.
- Protein function, with a main focus on enzymes: catalysis, enzyme kinetics (basic), regulation and role of catalysis in metabolism.
- Thermodynamics of metabolism. Biochemical thermodynamics principles; ATP, energy transfer, coupling of endergonic/exergonic reactions.
- Energy metabolism. From glucose to CO2: Glycolysis, oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transfer chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
- General biochemistry concepts and methods to analyse macromolecules.
Prerequisites for admission
none
Teaching methods
Lessons will consist of frontal lectures, according to the course timetable. Active participation is encouraged to ensure adequate preparation for the exam and understand the key topics that will be subject to examination. Optional presentations may be given by students during the course that can contribute to the final grade.
Teaching Resources
Suggested text books:
- 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.
Additional learning materials (animations, websites and scientific articles) will be indicated and provided by the teacher during the course on the Ariel website.
- 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.
Additional learning materials (animations, websites and scientific articles) will be indicated and provided by the teacher during the course on the Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is a written exam that consists of multiple-choice questions (20% final grade), to assess global understanding of the course, one short answer question (10% final grade) and two longer answer questions (35% final grade each), to assess in-depth knowledge of key concepts presented during the course. The duration of the exam is 2h. Students will have the opportunity to give a presentation during the lessons that can contribute towards 10% of the final grade. In this case, the two longer open questions will have reduced weights of 30% each.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon request
Towerblock 5B, Dep. Biosciences, Via celoria 26, 20133