Proteins: structural levels and functions. Classification, enzymatic kinetics, mechanisms of action and regulation of enzymes. Functions of biological membranes. Transport processes. Organization of metabolism. Metabolism of sugars, lipids and proteins. Terminal metabolism. Oxidative phosphorylation. Regulation of metabolism. Photosynthesis
D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry";
J.M. Berg., J.L. Tymoczko, L. Stryer “Biochemistry”
Learning Objectives
Knolewdge acquired: Structure and function of proteins. Enzymes. Lipids and biological membranes. Bioenergetics. Metabolism of sugars, lipids and proteins. Oxidative phosphorylation. Photosynthesis
Competence acquired: Molecular basis of biological systems. Functions of proteins. Organization and regulation of metabolic pathways
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Analytical studies of cellular proteins. Determination of enzyme activity. Analysis and interpretation of experimental results by means of graphical representations. Understanding the progress of knowledge in the field of biochemistry
Prerequisites
Courses to be used as requirements (required and/or recommended): Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other individual formative activities: 102
Number of hours for Lectures: 48
Further information
Frequency of lectures: Strongly recommended
Teaching tools: Pdf files with the slides shown during the lectures.
Office hours: Friday, 14-16, upon e-mail appointment: francesca.cencetti@unifi.it
Type of Assessment
The final exam consists of an interview aimed to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills, i.e. the acquisition of the learning outcome. The interview is organized into three main questions that the student must be able to deal appropriately consistently and correctly.
Course program
Course Contents (detailed programme):
Introduction to Biochemistry. The structural levels of proteins. Fibrous and globular proteins. Allosteric proteins: hemoglobin. Enzymes: classification, kinetics, mechanisms of action and regulation. Structural lipids and riserve lipids. Structure and functions of biological membranes. Transport processes, active and passive transport of solutes: pumps, ion channels and transporters. Organization of metabolism. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway. Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis. Triglycerides digestion and fatty acid oxidation. Fatty acids, triglycerides and phospholipids biosynthesis. General aspects of protein catabolism, nitrogen metabolism: urea cycle. Regulation and integration of metabolism.
Photosynthesis: the organization of the photosynthetic apparatus. Photosynthetic pigments and mechanisms of light absorption. Photolysis of water. Electron transport and production of NADPH and ATP. Photosynthetic carbon metabolism: Rubisco and Calvin cycle, role of light in the regulation of Calvin-cycle enzymes. C4 and CAM plants