37200 - Chemistry andBiochemistry I (B)

Learning outcomes

The main objective of this course is to provide knowledge on the following subjects: general characteristics of chemical reactions (stoichiometry, kinetics and spontaneous reactions); properties of the chemical components in living organisms: structure and properties of simple and complex carbohydrates and lipids; thermodynamic aspects of biochemical processes and cellular bioenergetics; structural and functional properties of proteins; enzyme mechanism of action and kinetics; regulation of biochemical reactions rate;

structure of nucleic acids and the description of the mechanisms involved in DNA replication, transcription and translation (protein synthesis).

Course contents

Amino acids and their properties. Protein structure and conformation. Denaturation.

Hemoglobin: structure, oxygen binding, regulation. Hemoglobinopathies.

Enzymes. Kinetics of enzymatic reactions. Mechanism of action of the enzymes and their allosteric, covalent, genetic regulation.

Structure and functions of arbohydrates and lipids.

Bioenergetics and co-factors.

Readings/Bibliography

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry - David L Nelson, Michael M Cox

Marks Basic Medical Biochemistry - Michael Lieberman, Allan Marks

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

The General Chemistry and Biochemistry exam includes:

- a written Chemistry test (3 CFU) consisting of 16 quizzes on general and organic chemistry topics.

- a written test in general biochemistry (6 CFU) consisting of 31 quizzes on the following topics: amino acids, proteins and enzymes (2 CFU); coenzymes, carbohydrates, lipids and bioenergetics (2 CFU); nucleic acids (2 CFU).

Each multiple-choice quiz involves the choice of 4 answers, only one of which is correct and will score. The General Chemistry and Biochemistry exam is passed if the student has acquired a sufficient assessment (18/30) in both written tests (Chemistry and Biochemistry, even in separate sessions).

The grades of Chemistry and General Biochemistry expressed out of 30 (with the possibility of honors in case of rounding to 31) will be noted on Alma exams and will compete with a weight proportional to the CFU to the final grade of the C.I. Biochemistry (I + II semester), which will be recorded. It is necessary to have passed both exams in Chemistry and General Biochemistry (1st semester) to take the (oral) exam for the part pertaining the 2nd semester. The grades in Chemistry and General Biochemistry will normally remain valid for up to 1 year.

Office hours

See the website of Giulio Agnetti