Course Syllabus
Aims
The Biochemistry I Module aims : i) to provide the concepts necessary to understand the biological phenomena
and the energetic changes connected to them, illustrating the complex chemical reactions that give rise to
life. Object of study is the structure and transformation of cell components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids,
nucleic acids and other biomolecules. The description of the metabolism will take place both qualitatively and
quantitatively. ii) to explain how organ functions can be regulated according to their particular biochemical
processes, focusing on metabolic integration. iii) to explain how the regulation of metabolism occurs. iv) to illustrate
the role of nutrients and balanced nutrition for maintaining the state of health.
Contents
The Biochemistry I module will illustrate the importance of life-sustaining chemical reactions. Object of study are
the structure and the metabolòic pathways involved in the transformations of cell components, such as proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and other biomolecules. Moreover the main hormones and their role in the
regulation of metabolism will be described . Finally, the main components of the foods (macro and micronutrients,
including vitamins and minerals) will be described in relation to a healthy diet.
Detailed program
General Biochemistry and Enzymology: Catalysis and enzyme kinetics. Vmax and Km. Factors influencing enzymatic activity. Inhibitors. Allosteric enzymes. Isozymes. Diagnostic use of enzymes and Bioenergetic isoenzymes: Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Molecules with high energy content. The production of ATP. Inhibitors and decoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Glucidic metabolism: Digestion, absorption and transport of carbohydrates. Glycolysis (aerobic and anaerobic). Regulation of glycolysis. Hormones Synthesis of glycogen and glycogenolysis. Metabolism of galactose. Lipid metabolism: Digestion and absorption of lipids. Catabolism of lipids. beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Role of carnitine. Citric acid cycle. Lipogenesis: biosynthesis of fatty acids; biosynthesis of triglycerides. Regulation of lipolysis and lipogenesis. Metabolism of cholesterol and its derivatives. Cholesterol conversion into steroid hormones and bile salts. Metabolism of ketone bodies. Plasma lipoproteins Metabolism of lipoproteins. Lipoprotein receptors. Protein metabolism: Digestion of proteins, absorption, and transport of amino acids. General metabolism of amino acids. Gluconeogenesis. Regulation of gluconeogenesis. Metabolism of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides: Purine and pyrimidine pathways. Integration of metabolisms. The feeding-fasting cycle. Biochemistry of nutrition: Biochemical aspects of digestive processes and nutrient absorption. Basal metabolism. Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Homeostasis of the carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Diets
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry.
Teaching form
Frontal lectures . Students will also be involved in actively participating in lectures, bringing experiences to clinical
cases to be discussed in the classroom. During the course, students will be divided in groups to discuss some biochemistry questions on the topics covered in class.
Textbook and teaching resource
Biochemistry with clinical aspects , Thomas Devlin
Biochemistry, Berg et al
Semester
II semester
Assessment method
The evaluation will be unique between biochemistry I and biochemistry II. Written and oral exam: 30 single-choice questions (1 mark each) to be completed in 1 h. The exam is
positively evaluated with a mark 18/30 or higher. Oral discussion of the written with possible deepening of
one or more topics. The questions proposed in the written exam will be constructed in such a way as to induce the
student to biochemical-clinical reasoning, to understand the units of measurement and to be able to evaluate the
skills and competences acquired according to the objectives of the course.
Office hours
on appointment.