BIOCHIMICA GENERALE - BIOCHIMICA APPLICATA MEDICA M - Z

Module BIOCHIMICA GENERALE

1. Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, the student will have acquired in-depth knowledge regarding the structure, properties, and functions of key biomolecules (amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids), as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression, cellular signal transduction, genetic information metabolism, and the control of cell proliferation and death. Furthermore, the student will understand the principles of enzyme catalysis, enzyme kinetics, and the regulation of enzyme activity.

2. Applying knowledge

By the end of the course, the student will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to interpret biological and biochemical phenomena, analyze biomolecule behavior, understand the molecular mechanisms underlying key cellular functions, and solve problems related to enzyme kinetics, gene expression regulation, signal transduction pathways, and associated pathological alterations.

3. Making judgments

By the end of the course, the student will develop the ability to critically evaluate biochemical and molecular data and information, interpret experimental results, recognize the physiological and pathological implications of the processes studied, and form independent judgments regarding the importance of molecular mechanisms in the regulation of cellular and organismal functions. 

4. Communication skills

By the end of the course, the student will be able to use correct scientific terminology and to present the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology with clarity and rigor, providing a coherent description of biological structures, processes, and mechanisms in both written and oral forms.

5. Learning skills

By the end of the course, the student will have developed an independent and critical study method suitable for the continuous deepening of biochemical and molecular knowledge, the consultation of scientific literature, and professional updating.

The course includes 42 hours of frontal lessons delivered with the aid of PowerPoint presentations and online videos.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

• Amino acids: structure, functions, physico-chemical characteristics and their classification.

• Peptides: Characteristics of the peptide bond; examples of peptides of significant biological interest.

• Levels of structural and supramolecular organization of proteins.

• Oxygen transporting chromoproteins: myoglobin and hemoglobin; structural and functional differences; factors that influence the binding of hemoglobin to oxygen; hemoglobin allosterism behavior; role of hemoglobin in the transport of carbon dioxide; buffering action of hemoglobin; physiological forms and pathological variants of hemoglobin.

• General properties and characteristics of enzymes; classification and nomenclature of enzymes, isoenzymes, multi-enzyme complexes; enzyme kinetics, affinity and activity: Michaelis-Menten constant, maximum velocity and their implications; graph of double reciprocals for calculating KM; enzyme inhibitors (irreversible and reversible, competitive, non-competitive and incompetitive; methods for recognizing the type of inhibition). Regulation of enzymatic activity; Allosteric enzymes.

• Carbohydrates: Structure, nomenclature and functions of the main carbohydrates of biological interest.

• Lipids: Structure, nomenclature, functions and classification of the main lipids of biological interest.

• Nucleic Acids: Levels of structural and supramolecular organization of nucleic acids.

• Genetic code and its characteristics.

• DNA replication in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

• Examples of DNA damage and DNA repair mechanisms.

• From genes to proteins: transcription, RNA maturation and translation.

• Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes: gene induction, repression and activation; operons and their regulatory mechanism.

• Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.

• Molecules involved in cellular recognition: role of membrane carbohydrates.

• Mechanisms of intercellular communication: nervous pathway and hormonal pathway;

• Structural and functional characteristics of the different types of receptors for hormones and growth factors (receptors with 7 transmembrane helices, receptors with tyrosine kinase activity, receptors for steroid hormones, receptors for thyroid hormones); signal transduction pathways (Gs, Gi and Gq proteins, Ras proteins and MAP kinase cascade; intracellular second messengers (cAMP, GMPc, IP3, DAG, Ca++) and their modes of synthesis, action and degradation. Intracellular mechanisms and molecules involved in the transmission of some sensory signals (rhodopsin, transducin and light signals, Golf protein and olfactory signals, gustducin and flavor perception).

• Molecules involved in the control of the cell cycle and proliferation (cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases).

• Mechanisms of cell death: Necrosis and apoptosis; morphological, molecular and modality differences. Molecules involved in the execution of the apoptotic program.

According to the Teaching Regulations (RDA), Art. 12 – University Educational Credits (CFU): the standard workload of 25 hours of total student effort, corresponding to one credit, may comprise:

a) 7 hours dedicated to lectures or equivalent teaching activities, with the remainder devoted to independent study;

b) between 12 and 15 hours dedicated to classroom exercises or equivalent supervised activities (laboratories), with the remainder devoted to study and personal review.

• D. Nelson, M.C. Cox:"I PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA DI LENHINGER ed. Zanichelli
• D. Voet, J.G. Voet e C.W. Pratt: "FONDAMENTI DI BIOCHIMICA" Ed. Zanichelli
• T.M. Devlin: "BIOCHIMICA con aspetti clinici-farmaceutici" EdiSES (RECOMMENDED READING FOR FURTHER STUDY)
• D. Voet e J.G. Voet: "BIOCHIMICA" Ed. Zanichelli (RECOMMENDED READING FOR FURTHER STUDY)
• J.L. Tymoczko, J.M. Berg, L. Stryer "PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA" - Ed. Zanichelli
• C.K. Mathews, K.E. van Holde, K.G. Ahern "BIOCHIMICA" Casa Editrice Ambrosiana(RECOMMENDED READING FOR FURTHER STUDY)
• Ritter "BIOCHIMICA" - Ed. Zanichelli (RECOMMENDED READING FOR FURTHER STUDY)
• P. Champe, R. Harvey, D. R. Ferrier "LE BASI DELLA BIOCHIMICA"- Ed. Zanichelli
• Garret & Grisham: "PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA" Ed. Piccin
• N. Siliprandi e G. Tettamanti "BIOCHIMICA MEDICA" Ed. Piccin

The grading follows this scheme:

Not suitable

Serious gaps in knowledge and understanding of the topics. Lack of adequate analytical and synthesis skills, with evident inaccuracies in presentation.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topics limited to essential content. Tendency to make generalizations; analytical and synthesis skills are barely sufficient.

21-23

Fair knowledge and understanding of the topics. Adequate analytical and synthesis skills, with a fair ability to construct logical and coherent arguments.

24-26

Good knowledge and understanding of the topics. Good analytical and synthesis skills, and the ability to develop clear, logical, and coherent arguments.

27-29

Above-average knowledge and understanding of the topics. Strong analytical and synthesis skills, combined with a thorough understanding of the content.

30-30 with honors

Excellent knowledge and understanding of the topics. High-level analytical, synthesis, and critical analysis skills. Honors are reserved for candidates who clearly stand out due to the quality of their preparation, also demonstrating the ability to establish effective interdisciplinary connections.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti) and referring teacher (prof.ssa Santina Chiechio email: santina.chiechio@unict.it) within of department.

Exam dates are published on the degree programme's website: https://www.dsf.unict.it/it/corsi/lm-13/calendario-esami

Difference between Hemoglobin and Myoglobin

Enzyme regulation

Structure of proteins

Molecules involved in the regulation of the cell cycle

Regulation of gene expression

Protein biosynthesis

Types of hormone receptors

Intracellular second messengers

Apoptosis and necrosis

Enzyme inhibition

Definition of Michaelis-Menten constant and its meaning;

Heterotrimeric G proteins