Programme

Basic thermodynamics concepts, free energy, enthalpy, entropy. Amino acids properties: structure, hydrophobicity, interactions. Protein structure: primary structure, secondary structure, supersecondary structures (all-alpha beta-alpha-beta, all beta, jelly roll, t-knot, ww-domain structural motifs). Proteins’ stability: covalent interactions, non-covalent interactions. structure-function relationships: membrane transporters (rhodopsins, potassium channels, aquaporins), redox reactions (superoxide dismutase and amine oxidases). Molecular recognition: theoretical principles (electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, entropic contributions), protein toxins, proteases. Determination of protein structure: x-ray diffraction. Bioinformatics and computational chemistry: databases, protein sequence analysis, molecular modelling, molecular dynamics, electrostatics.

Core Documentation

BRANDEN C. & TOOZE J. INTRODUCTION TO PROTEIN STRUCTURE. GARLAND PUBLISHING, SECOND EDITION. PETSKO G.A. & RINGE D. PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION. NEW SCIENCE PRESS. WILLIAMSON M. HOW PROTEINS WORK. GARLAND PUBLISHING.

Reference Bibliography

The texts will be integrated with scientific articles for the aspects related to specific protein systems.

Type of delivery of the course

The Biochemistry of Proteins and Systems course is a theoretical course held in the second semester (march-may) and organized into two weekly lessons of two hours with the use of digital media. As far as the bioinformatics section of the course is concerned, there will be theoretical-practical lessons with the use of molecular graphics programs.

Attendance

Attendance is optional but highly recommended as it facilitates the achievement of positive results in the finale exam.

Type of evaluation

The exam consists of an oral test on the established dates. The final grade will evaluate the following parameters: a) Appropriateness, correctness and congruity of acquired knowledge and skills; b) Appropriate use of the specific language of the discipline; c) Expressive capacity; d) Logical skills; e) Synthesis skills; f) Ability to link different topics. Consequently, the final grade can be: a) Sufficient (from 18 to 20/30) b) Fair (from 21 to 23) c) Good (from 24 to 26) d) Optimum (from 27 to 29) e) Excellent (30) The "laude" is attributed to candidates clearly above the average, and whose eventual notional, expressive, conceptual and logical limits are altogether irrelevant.