Biochemistry

This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. The student acquires knowledge of general and molecular biochemistry. In particular, the student is able to: understand the structure and function of the main molecules of biological interest; understand the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic activities and signaling and their regulation, with particular regard to the biochemical basis of drug action, useful for understanding topics covered in subsequent courses; and understand the biochemical basis of diseases characterized by metabolic alterations.

The course includes the following topics: Classification of amino acids; Structure of myoglobin and hemoglobin, heme structure; Carbohydrates; Structure of biological membranes, fluid mosaic model, asymmetry, fluidity and role of cholesterol; Structure and function of nucleotides, triphosphate nucleosides; Role of weak interactions in macromolecules; Enzymes; Enzyme kinetics; Signal transduction; Metabolism; Glycolysis and its regulation; Catabolism of sugars; The pentose phosphate pathway and its regulation; Glycogenolysis and glycogen synthesis and their regulation; Gluconeogenesis and its regulation; The citric acid cycle and its regulation; The electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation; Oxidative degradation of fatty acids: beta-oxidation; Fatty acid synthesis and aspects of its regulation in relation to energy demands and glucose availability; Outline of cholesterol synthesis and its functions; Protein catabolism; General structure of nucleic acids; DNA; RNA; Human genome; DNA replication in E. coli; DNA damage in eukaryotes; Transcription in E. coli; Aminoacylation; Genetic codon; Codon/anticodon pairing; Protein synthesis (translation) in E. coli; Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes; Recombinant DNA.

This course introduces students to several fundamental principles of biochemistry and metabolism. Students study the structure and function of major classes of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; the role of enzymes and enzyme kinetics in biological reactions; and the biochemistry of processes which support life, including cellular metabolism and its control. Students also explore the theory and practical use of commonly used biochemical lab techniques.

This course provides an account of structure-function relationships in proteins. To understand the molecular bases of biological function of proteins. Fundamental aspects of structural biology and protein chemistry are explained, with an emphasis on the relationship to biological function. Students are expected to have already a good understanding of biochemistry and chemistry and a basic understanding of protein structure. 

This course gives students an understanding of the nature and causes of cancer from a genetic, cellular, and molecular perspective. Students gain a thorough grounding in cancer cell biology, and they also develop employability skills such as working in a team, presentation skills, and interpretation of experimental datasets.

This course gives students the opportunity to explore in greater depth the cell and molecular basis for much of cell behaviour that often fails in disease processes.