BIOCHEMISTRY (A)
cod. 14303

Academic year 2008/09
2° year of course - First semester
Professor
Academic discipline
Biochimica (BIO/10)
Field
"struttura, funzione e metabolismo delle molecole d'interesse biologico"
Type of training activity
Basic
56 hours
of face-to-face activities
7 credits
hub: -
course unit
in - - -

Integrated course unit module: DYNAMIC BIOCHEMISTRY AND HUMAN SYSTEMATICS

Learning objectives

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Discussion of the mechanisms of transmission and expression of genetic information at a molecular level. <br />
Description of the characteristics, function and metabolic role of the principal cell components (proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes and co-enzymes, water-soluble and lipid-soluble vitamins), and the mechanisms of metabolic energy production. <br />

Prerequisites

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For admission to the Biochemistry exam, students must have taken exams in: 1) Chemistry and Foundation Biochemistry, and 2) Histology. <br />
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Course unit content

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<br />
Proteins: composition and structure. The proteins in connective tissue, plasma and conjugated proteins of biomedical interest. Haemoglobin and oxygen transport. Enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Coenzymes used in metabolic reactions. Vitamins: biochemical action. The molecular structure of hereditary information. Composition and structure of nucleic acids. DNA replication. Telomerase. DNA repair and its links to human pathologies, including cell ageing and cancer. RNA: structure, function, transcription, maturation. The genetic code and its properties. Protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression and the post-synthesis destinations of proteins. Signal transduction. Apoptosis. Differentiation. Clonation. <br />
Bioenergetic metabolism and biological oxidation processes. Oxidative phosphorylation. <br />

Full programme

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Bibliography

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Recommended texts: <br />
Baynes JW, Dominiczak MH: Biochimica per le discipline biomediche, second edition, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan, 2006. <br />
Bhagavan NV: Medical Biochemistry, fourth edition, Harcourt/Academic Press, Burlington, 2002. <br />
Caldarera CM: Biochimica Sistematica Umana, second edition, CLUEB, Bologna, 2003. <br />
Devlin TM: Textbook of Biochemistry with clinical correlations, fifth edition, Wiley-Liss, New York, 2002. <br />
Garrett RH, Grisham CM: Principi di Biochimica, in particular the parts on human biochemistry, Piccin, Padua, 2004. <br />
Mathews CK, van Holde KE, Ahern KG: Biochimica, third edition, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan, 2004. <br />
Murray RK, Granner DK, Mayes PA, Rodwell VW; Harper Biochimica, 25th edition, McGraw-Hill Libri Italia srl, Milan, 2000. <br />
Nelson DL, Cox MM: I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, third edition, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2002. <br />
Siliprandi N, Tettamanti G: Biochimica Medica: strutturale, metabolica e funzionale, Piccin. Padua, 2005. <br />
Voet D, Voet JG: Biochemistry, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, USA, 2004. <br />

Teaching methods

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Teaching activities: frontal lessons, interactive sessions for small groups, specialist study seminars, problem-focused learning <br />
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Examination method: written test + oral test <br />
Professors: <br />
Prof. Amos Casti (Coordinator) <br />
Prof. Saverio Bettuzzi <br />

Assessment methods and criteria

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Other information

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