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Biology and Biochemestry - mod. BIOCHEMESTRY (MC)
GIUSEPPE ORSOMANDO

Seat Medicina e Chirurgia
A.A. 2013-2014
Credits 2
Hours 24
Period 1^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code MT02-11-11 MT127

Prerequisites

High-school basic knowledge of Chemistry and Biology

Development of the course

The course is focused on the study of the molecular aspects of the biological processes underlying cell functioning in living organisms. After a brief summary of basic chemistry concepts, the four major classes of natural macromolecules (sugars, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins) will be presented, as well as a general overview of the central cellular functions and metabolisms. During the course, some biomedical and clinical implications will be highlighted.

Learning outcomes

Main purpose is to highlight the structure-function relationships of the naturally-occurring organic macromolecules of biological interest. In addition, the cellular key processes and metabolic pathways, as well as bioenergetics and nutritional aspects, will be presented in order to introduce students to the subsequent professionalizing disciplines characterizing this degree programme.

Program
Natural organic compounds: classification and reactivity of their functional groups. Chemical reactions and equilibrium. Acid-base chemistry: pH and buffer solutions. Introduction to bioenergetics and thermodynamics. High-energy phosphate compounds. Biological redox reactions. Structure and function of natural lipids: fatty acids, membrane lipids, cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins. Structure and function of carbohydrates: mono-, di-, and poly-saccharides. Glycogen and cellulose. Proteins: structural composition and folding. Denaturation and renaturation. Proteins from the connective tissue. Plasma proteins. Other proteins of biomedical interest. Myoglobin, hemoglobin and oxygen transport. Enzymes and enzymatic catalysis. Reversible and irreversible inhibition. Coenzymes and hydrophilic vitamins. Food and nutrition requirements for a balanced dietary support. Carbohydrates and lipids: digestion and absorption. Dietary fibre. Cellular metabolic pathways: organization and regulation. Glycolysis and hexoses catabolism. Fermentations. Mitochondrial respiration: citric acid cycle, fatty acids catabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. Free radicals and dietary antioxidants. Metabolism adaptation under starvation.

Development of the examination

Written exam (multiple-choice test questions) and/or oral exam

Recommended reading

a)     Title: Corso di Biochimica per le Lauree Triennali (Area Sanitaria)

b)     Author: Michele Samaja

c)      Publisher: Piccin Editore - 2007

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