Nutritional Biochemistry is an advanced nutrition course emphasizing the metabolism and biochemistry of the energy-containing macronutrients: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and other related compounds. Their chemical structures, digestion, absorption, distribution, and cellular metabolism are covered. Central themes will include the utilization of macronutrients in energy metabolism and the integration and regulation of metabolic pathways. The overall focus is on the application of biochemistry to nutrition to provide an appreciation for the chemical basis of applied nutrition science. In detail, at the end of the course the student: 1. must know the structure and functions of biological molecules and supra-molecular structures, the metabolic pathways that lead to energy production and their regulation. 2. must understand the relationships between structure and function in biological molecules and the complexity of the mechanisms that regulate and coordinate metabolic pathways.
Course Prerequisites
A basic knowledge on General, Organic and Biological Chemistry is required. In particular: 1. have acquired the basic chemical notions necessary for the study of metabolic, enzymatic and regulatory processes and, more generally, for the understanding at the molecular level of the fundamental mechanisms of biological phenomena; 2. have acquired the knowledge of the structure and chemical-physical properties of the main constituents of living organisms.
Teaching Methods
Frontal lectures; cooperative learning: dissecting the metabolic role of some nutrients in small groups.
Assessment Methods
The exam is written and is aimed at ascertaining at what level an integrated view of energy metabolism both in fasting and in the fed state has been acquired. The use of appropriate scientific language will also be evaluated. The mark of the biochemistry module will average with the marks obtained in the other two modules of the course Basics of Nutrition.
Texts
Arienti Le Basi Molecolari della Nutrizione- Piccin quarta edizione; Leuzzi, Bellocco, Barreca Biochimica della Nutrizione Zanichelli 2013
Contents
An introduction of nutritional biochemistry. Composition of the human body. Energy requirements. Basal metabolic rate concept. Food function. What and why we eat. Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins: needs and metabolism. Enzymes: structure and function. Biological membranes. Vitamins and salts: needs and metabolisms. Xenobiotics. Fasting feeding cycle. Ethanol metabolism.
