The course Basic biochemistry, along with other basic courses, was conceived to provide the students with all the intellectual instruments required to proficiently pursue the MDB master course. The students will acquire the ability to handle the main concepts of chemical biology, from enzymology to signal transduction, from protein synthesis to cell metabolism. The notions about protein function, metabolism and metabolites will be essential to understand the principles and the importance of proteomics and metabolomics. This course was designed for students who need to catch up with the most relevant aspects of biochemistry. Students who either have not attended full courses of Biochemistry during the Bachelor, or need to strengthen their knowledge of this subject are strongly recommended to select this course.
Prerequisiti
A general prerequisite is the knowledge of chemistry and cell biology. A deep understanding of molecular biology is essential, therefore the students are strongly recommended to attend also the parallel course in Basic molecular biology (1st year, 1st semester MDB).
Metodi didattici
Frontal lessons, seminars on specific topics. Additional support and teaching aids will be guaranteed exclusively to students belonging to specific categories defined by the University governance (working students, disabled, caregivers, etc.), who will not be able to attend the lessons in presence.
Verifica Apprendimento
Oral examination, during which the student's ability to draw chemical strucures of biomolecules participating in key metabolic pathways will be evaluated.
Testi
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry – 8th Edition | David L. Nelson; Michael M. Cox | MacMillan Learning
Contenuti
The content of the course was tailored to cover the most relevant principles of biochemistry. At the same time the course is structured to provide an advancement with respect to the biochemistry courses they have likely attended during the Bachelor. Part1 – Biological molecules and their functions -Classes of biological molecules and macromolecules. Overview of their roles in cells and whole organisms. -Proteins as central players in biology: structural and functional proteins, ECM proteins, antibodies, enzymes and enzymology. -The biochemistry of the plasma membrane: the synergy between proteins and lipids. -The mechanisms of signal transduction. -Overview of the methods to study proteins. Focus on Mass Spectrometry, as a tool for proteomics and metabolomics. Part 2 – Cellular metabolism -The metabolism of proteins: translation, trafficking and degradation. -From nutrients to energy. Processing macromolecules to obtain ATP. -An integrated overview of anabolism and catabolism, and their mutual regulation. -Metabolites and metabolomics: understanding cell function and dysfunction by combining biochemistry and digital tools.