At the end of the course, students are expected to have a solid understanding of the mechanisms of information transmission and the complexity of biosignaling processes that regulate and coordinate metabolic pathways and gene expression. They should also be able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to the understanding of the molecular basis of diseases and their treatments.
Course Prerequisites
In-depth knowledge of chemistry, physics, and biology.
Teaching Methods
The course consists of in-person lectures delivered on campus. The lecture slides, the detailed course program, and additional information will be available on the KIRO platform. Upon request, the instructors will be available to provide clarifications on the topics covered during the lectures.
Assessment Methods
The final examination will be written and will include both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. It will cover the topics presented in the modules of Elements of Biochemistry, Cellular Biochemistry, Cellular Biochemistry A, and Cellular Biochemistry B. The exam is designed to assess how students have integrated the knowledge acquired across the different modules and to evaluate the extent to which the learning objectives of the course have been achieved in terms of knowledge and understanding. Particular attention will also be given to the ability to communicate effectively and to the use of appropriate scientific language. A single final grade in Biochemistry will be recorded in the student’s transcript.
Texts
D. Nelson, M. Cox.I principi di biochimica di Lehninger (Zanichelli, settima edizione). J. Berg, J. Tymoczko, G.J. Gatto, L. Stryer Biochimica (Zanichelli, ottava edizione). Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt Fondamenti di Biochimica (Zanichelli). Thomas Devlin Biochimica con aspetti clinici (EdiSES). M Lieberman, A Marks, Biochimica Medica, un approccio clinico (seconda edizione, Zanichelli). For further studies: Watson et al. Biologia Molecolare del Gene (Zanichelli). Petsko, Ringe. Struttura e funzione delle proteine (Zanichelli). Alberts et al Biologia Molecolare della cellula (Zanichelli) Duranti Introduzione allo studio delle proteine (Zanichelli). All textbooks are available for consultation/loan at Biblioteca delle http://biblioteche.unipv.it/home/biblioteche/biblioteca-dellescienze Biblioteca.dellescienze@unipv.it
Contents
Biosignaling: principles of signal transduction; G protein–coupled receptors and second messengers; enzyme-linked receptors; mechanism of action of steroid hormones; signal transduction in sensory systems; oncogenes.
