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 is NOT MANDATORY and includes three laboratory experiences, each lasting 2 hours. The topics of the experiences are:
1. Protein quantification by Bradford method.
2. Separation of proteins by SDS-PAGE method and determination of their molecular weights by migration distance.
3. Characterization of the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase.
The results obtained will be analyzed and discussed together with the teacher during a frontal lesson in the classroom.

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.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for classroom lectures. Attendance at laboratory exercises is optional.

Type of evaluation

Participation in the three laboratory experiences is mandatory in order to take the Biochemistry exam. At the end of the laboratory experiences attended (2 out of 3 mandatory), the student is required to analyze the experimental data obtained using appropriate software (Excel). The student will be required to write a short report reporting the data obtained in each experience attended.

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
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Nucleotides and nucleic acids
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

Attendance

In person, mandatory

Type of evaluation

Oral exam

Programme

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

1. Protein quantification by Bradford method.

2. Separation of proteins by SDS-PAGE method and determination of their molecular weights by migration distance.

3. Characterization of the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase.

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.

Attendance

Mandatory

Type of evaluation

Participation in the three laboratory experiences is mandatory in order to take the Biochemistry exam. At the end of the laboratory experiences attended (2 out of 3 mandatory), the student is required to analyze the experimental data obtained using appropriate software (Excel). The student will be required to write a short report reporting the data obtained in each experience attended.