37201 - Metabolic Biochemistry (A)

Learning outcomes

The biochemistry course allows the student to acquire the knowledge of the essential elements of the intermediate metabolism of the main biological molecules (carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogenous compounds), their interrelationships, their metabolic and hormonal regulations, and the cellular localization and compartmentalization of the main metabolic pathways; the specialization of the various human organs and tissues in metabolic activities as a prerequisite for the knowledge of their specific functions; the molecular mechanisms of regulation of cellular activity with particular regard to intracellular signal transduction mediated by hormones, neurotransmitters and other extracellular messengers; the biochemical principles which underlie human nutrition with particular regard to the molecular mechanisms of digestion and absorption of nutrients and essential nutritional principles with references to nutrigenomics.

Course contents

Module teached by Prof Solaini within the Biochemistry course.

Introduction to metabolism: life reaction in human cells, main metabolic pathways, their compartmentation, and regulation.

Catabolism and anabolism; Phosphorylation potential and energy charge; main coenzymes.

Carbohydrate metabolism: main carbohydrates of interest in human biochemistry. General scheme of carbohydrate metabolism and compartmentation in organ and tissues. Glicemia and glucose assimilation and transport through cells plasma membranes.   Glycolisis: reactions, enzymes, energy yield and regulation in organs and tissues. Substrate-level phophorylation. Alcol and lactic fermentation. Main disaccarides hydrolysis to monosaccarides and their catabolism. Glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and their regulation.

Readings/Bibliography

See General Biochemistry

Teaching methods

See General Biochemistry

Assessment methods

See General Biochemistry

Teaching tools

See General Biochemistry

Office hours

See the website of Giancarlo Solaini