BIOCHEMISTRY

The aim of the course is to provide the student with the elements for understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of cellular metabolism and its regulation with particular regard to the biochemical processes influenced by the chemical species present in the environment and in food.

Face-to-face lesson (56 hours).Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD:

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensative measures, based on educational objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP referent teacher (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or DSA) of our Department, Prof. Teresa Musumeci.

Composition and organization of living matter. Chemical composition of the cell: water, minerals, amino acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids.

Amino Acids and Proteins: Peptide bond, structures and functions of proteins, allosteric proteins, haemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes.

ENZYMES: Mechanisms of Enzyme Action , Properties of Enzymes, Inhibition of Enzymes, Regulation of Enzyme Activity, Allosteric Control of Enzyme Activity, Coenzymes: Structure and Function.

INTRODUCTION TO METABOLISM

Carbohydrate Metabolism:

The Glycolytic Pathway, Enzymatic and hormonal Regulation of the Glycolytic Pathway, Gluconeogenesis, Glycogenolysis and Glycogenesis, Oxidative Pyruvate decarboxylation , The Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, Pentose Phosphate Pathway.

Bioenergetics and Oxidative Metabolism: 

Structure and Compartimentation of the Mitochondrial Membranes, Electron Transfer, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Mitochondrial ATP Synthesis, Photosynthesis, Oxygen free radicals production  and defence mechanisms.

Lipid Metabolism:

Synthesis and Degradation of  Lipids, Enzymatic and hormonal Regulation of the Lipidic Pathway, Ketogenesis, Synthesis of Cholesterol.

Amino Acid Metabolism:

Transamination and decarboxylation of amminocids, role of PLP, Urea Cycle and its regulation.

Purine and Pyrimidine Nucleotide Metabolism:

Metabolism of Purine Nucleotides,  Metabolism of Pyrimidine Nucleotides

Nucleic Acids:

DNA : Structure and Conformation; Synthesis, Repair, and Recombination;

RNA: Structure, Transcription, and Processing; Protein synthesis: Translation and post-translational modifications; Regulation of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes;  Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology.

Plants and the environment:

Plant adaptations to biotic or abiotic stresses, soil pollutants and the effects of plant toxins on herbivores, interactions between animals, plants and the environment.

Enzymes and the environment:

Enzymes as biosensors, enzymes and heavy metals

Environmental Pollution

Food contaminants

1. D. VOET, J. VOET, C. W. PRATT- Principi di biochimica- Zanichelli
2. -G. ARIENTI- Un compendio di biochimica- Ed. Piccin
3. -P.C.CHAMPE, R.A. HARVEY, D.R. FERRIER- Le basi della Biochimica-Zanichelli
4. -D.L.NELSON, M.M. COX- I principi di biochimica di Lehningher- Zanichelli

VERIFICATION OF LEARNING

Oral interview to verify the achievement of the training objectives. The relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the level of depth of the topic, and the ability to connect between the different topics covered by the program will constitute elements of evaluation. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

EXAMPLES OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND / OR EXERCISES

1. Enzymatic kinetics of monomeric enzymes

2. Glycolysis: reactions and regulation

3. Mycotoxins and metabolic alterations

4. Structural and functional characteristics of allosteric proteins

5. Transamination reactions

6. Bioremedation