BIOCHEMISTRY II

Course objectives

The course, organized in 6 CFUs, is aimed at understanding the biochemical aspects of nucleic acids biochemistry and the use of new technologies based on genome manipulations. In particular, the course will focus on the study of DNA structure and on the processes of replication, transcription and translation, with a description of DNA mutations and damage, and mechanisms of DNA repair. The course includes the discussion of the main analytical techniques to produce, purify, characterize, and analyze proteins and other biotechnological products, and description of nucleic acids analysis and manipulations to produce recombinant proteins and new drugs in microorganisms. Specific seminars will be organized to provide and updated description of forefront technologies, such as nanotechnology, bioinformatics, proteomics, cryoelectron microscopy. Updated bibliographic references will be provided to the students to stimulate their interest and their critical thinking. Specific skills – Nutritional Biochemistry a) knowledge and understanding Knowledge of the structure and function of DNA and RNA; DNA replication transcription and translation; post-translational modification of proteins, protein folding and misfolding; nucleic acids analysis; manipulation fo microorganisms to produce specific proteins or secondary metabolites products. b) applying knowledge and understanding Ability to identify and describe DNA manipulation processes and capacity to apply them to the production of substances of interest in chemistry and pharmaceutical technology. The student will need to demonstrate that he/she has the capacity to deal with biological phenomena (in the field of biochemistry microbiology molecular biology and cellular biology) thus implementing his/her competences in the chemistry of living organisms. c) making judgments Ability to describe and to analyze the metabolic processes involved in the biochemistry of nucleic acids. Ability to critically read scientific literature in the field. d) communication skills Ability to describe the biochemical pathways relevant in DNA biochemistry and the main biochemical techniques for the investigation of nucleic acids. e) learning skills Critical reading of scientific articles in DNA biochemistry, critical thinking and discussion.

Channel 1
ANNA SCOTTO D'ABUSCO Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
CELLULAR ENVIRONMENT: Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; Cell duplication: Mitosis and Meiosis; cell cycle; Study of the phases of the cell cycle. CELL STRUCTURES: Plasma membrane, components of the plasma membrane, its structure and function. Membrane transport, simple diffusion, mediated, passive and active transport. CARBOHYDRATES: Definition and biochemical role. Monosaccharides. Disaccharides: saccharose, malty, milky. Polysaccharides: glycogen, starch, cellulose. Glycosaminoglycans. Glycoproteins and proteoglycans. LIPIDS: Definition and biochemical role. Fatty acids: saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Arachidonic acid and derivatives. Triglycerides. Phospholipids. Cholesterol and derivatives (steroid hormones, vitamin D, bile salts). Biological membranes. Membrane transport. VITAMINS: Structure and function, water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins. Hypovitaminosis and hypervitaminosis. Free radicals and antioxidants. BIOENERGETICS: ATP and other high energy compounds. Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibitors and decouplers of cellular respiration. Biological redox. CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM: Digestion and absorption. Aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis. Pyruvate oxidation. Krebs cycle. Glycogenolysis and glycogenosinthesis. Gluconeogenesis comparison between glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, stages and control mechanisms. Pentose phosphate pathway. Anaplerotic reactions. LIPID METABOLISM: Biosynthesis and catabolism of cholesterol. Synthesis of Vitamin D, bile salts, steroid hormones. PROTEIN METABOLISM: Metabolism of amino acids: transamination, deamination, decarboxylation. Biogenic amines. Metabolism of phenylalanine, tryptophan and methionine. Ureogenesis. Biosynthesis and heme catabolism: generality on synthesis. METABOLISM OF NUCLEOTIDES: Catabolism of purine bases: uric acid. HORMONES: Chemistry, properties and mechanism of action. Receptors. Transduction mechanisms and second messengers. Hormonal regulation of blood sugar. Mechanism of action of steroid hormones. THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Cells of the immune system; Innate immunity and acquired immunity; Receptors active in innate immunity, Toll-like receptor; Specific immunity: humoral and cellular; Major histocompatibility complex, MHC I; T-cell receptor; Major histocompatibility complex, MHC II; Plasma cells; antibody production; Structure and function of immunoglobulins METHODOLOGIES Production of polyclonal and monoclonal antobodies; Protein analysis using antibodies: Western blot; ELISA; Immunofluorescence; Flow citometry methods. MONOGRAPHIC TOPICS: cryo-Crystallography; Bioinformatics; Molecular biology of plants
Prerequisites
Knowledge acquired by attending the first level Degree in Chemistry
Books
Voet & Voet - Fondamenti di Biochimica- Ed. Zanichelli Campbell-Farrell-McDougal - Biochimica- Ed. Edisess Nelson & Cox - I principi di Biochimica del Lenhinger-Ed. Zanichelli D’Andrea - La Biochimica di T. M. Devlin-Ed. Edisess Berg, Timozcko, Gatto, Stryer - Biochimica- Ed. Zanichelli Bonaccorsi di Patti, Contestabile, Di Salvo – Metodologie Biochimiche- Ed. Zanichelli
Teaching mode
Face-to-face lessons
Frequency
Students can freely choose whether to follow the Course
Exam mode
To pass the exam it is necessary to achieve a grade of not less than 18/30e. The student must demonstrate that he has acquired a sufficient knowledge of the topics of biochemistry II. To achieve a score of 30/30 cum laude, the student must instead demonstrate that he has acquired an excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, being able to connect them in a logical and coherent way.
Bibliography
Recent publications will be suggested
Lesson mode
Face-to-face lessons, with audiovisual aids and scheduling of lessons as reported on the GOMP Classroom / Timetable System and published on the CdS website.
  • Lesson code1007442
  • Academic year2024/2025
  • CourseChemistry
  • CurriculumChimica dei Sistemi Biologici
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDBIO/10
  • CFU6
  • Subject areaAttività formative affini o integrative