20410221 - BIOCHIMICA

Biochemical nomenclature.
Molecular aspects of biological systems.
Structure-function relationships of biological macromolecules.
Enzymatic catalysis.
Metabolic pathways.
teacher profile | teaching materials

Programme

The Bioenergetics and Metabolism module (Prof. Alessandra di Masi) will cover the following topics: bioenergetics and types of biochemical reactions, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, principles of metabolic regulation, citric acid cycle, fatty acid catabolism, amino acid oxidation and urea cycle, oxidative phosphorylation.

The practice module of the course of Biochemistry includes three laboratory experiences, each lasting 2 hours. The topics of the experiences are:
1. Separation of blood in its cellular and plasma component. Fractionation of blood proteins by saline and ethanol precipitation.
2. Quantification of plasma proteins by the Bradford method. Preparation of samples to be loaded on SDS-PAGE. Loading on polyacrylamide gel of fractionated proteins.
3. Characterization of the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase.

Core Documentation

- NELSON, COX, I PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA DI LEHININGER, ZANICHELLI
- VOET, VOET, PRATT, FONDAMENTI DI BIOCHIMICA, ZANICHELLI STRYER, BIOCHIMICA, ZANICHELLI
- MCGRAW-HILLMORAN ET AL., BIOCHIMICA, ZANICHELLI.
- M. K. Campbell, S. O. Farrell, O. M. McDougal "Biochimica", Ed. Edises


RECEPTION TIME: Monday 10 am

Type of delivery of the course

The practice module of the Biochemistry course includes three laboratory experiences, each lasting 2 hours. The experimental data obtained during the practical experiences must be analyzed by the students using appropriate software (Excel). The results obtained will be discussed together with the teacher during a classroom lectures.

Type of evaluation

Participation at the three laboratory experiences is mandatory in order to pass the exam of Biochemistry. Therefore, the module I of the Biochemistry Course does not require a specific evaluation, but the active participation of the student in the activities carried out. In fact, the student is required to analyze the experimental data obtained in the three experiences through the use of appropriate software (Excel). The results obtained will then be analyzed and discussed together with the teacher during a classroom lecture.

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Programme

First module: Protein Structure

Water
Weak interactions in aqueous systems
The hydrogen bond
Ionisation of water, weak acids and bases
Amino acids, peptides and proteins
Amino acids
Peptides and proteins
The covalent bonds of peptides and proteins
The structure of proteins
Primary structure
Secondary structure
Tertiary structure
Quaternary structure
Supramolecular structures
Folding and unfolding (general aspects)
Protein functions
Enzymology
Techniques for the isolation and characterization of proteins

Core Documentation

Nelson, Cox – Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, W.H. Freeman, 8th edition

Reference Bibliography

None

Type of delivery of the course

Lectures supported by Powerpoint presentations

Type of evaluation

Oral exam

teacher profile | teaching materials

Programme

The practical module of the course includes three laboratory experiences. The topics of the experiences are:

- Extraction of proteins from egg white and their quantification using the Bradford method (first experience)

- Preparation of samples for loading on SDS-PAGE (second experience)

- Characterisation of the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase (third experience)

Core Documentation

The slides of each lecture will be made available

Type of delivery of the course

The laboratory exercises will all be carried out in presence.

Type of evaluation

The final grade will evaluate the following parameters: a) Appropriateness, correctness and congruence of the acquired knowledge and skills; b) Appropriate use of the specific language of the discipline; c) Expressive capacity; d) Logical skills; e) Ability to synthesize; f) Ability to link different topics. Consequently, the judgment may be: a) Sufficient (from 18 to 20/30) b) Fair (21 to 23) c) Good (from 24 to 26) d) Excellent (from 27 to 29) e) Excellent (30)