D3a - Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali - Guida degli insegnamenti (Syllabus)
Basic knowledge in chemistry and in the topics addressed in the course “Biochemistry 1”.
The course consists of 6 ECTS (54 hours) lessons, including 2 ECTS (18 hours) classroom practicals.
Knowledge and understanding:
Adequate knowledge and understanding of: (a) metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and aminoacids; (b) integration and hormonal regulation of mammalian metabolism; (c) the role played by vitamins in metabolism; (d) metabolic adaptation of organs and tissues to various physiological conditions; (e) fundamental concepts in the transfer of genetic information.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
Capability of using the acquired knowledge to understand the biochemical transformations occurring during food and beverage processing and production, and capability to apply knowledge on the fundamental aspects of integration and regulation of metabolism to understand nutritional claims.
Cross-expertise:
Capability of identify the information required to improve the quality of the final products; capability of clearly and exhaustively communicate notions and ideas to different interlocutors.
Catabolism of hexoses – Glycolysis. Lactic acid and alcohol fermentation. Pentose phosphate pathway. Glycogenolysis (1 ECTS)
Catabolism of fatty acids – Mobilization and transport of fatty acids. Oxidation of fatty acids. Ketone bodies (0.5 ECTS)
Catabolism of aminoacids- Metabolic fate of amino groups. Urea cycle. Oxidation of chetoacids (0.5 ECTS)
The citric acid cycle. Oxidative phosphorylation. Photophosphorylation (1.0 ECTS)
Anabolism – Biosynthesis of glycogen. Gluconeogenesis. General aspects of biosynthesis of fatty acids, aminoacids and nucleotides (0.5 ECTS).
Functional properties of vitamins (0.5 ECTS)
Integration and hormonal regulation of mammalian metabolism- Hormones and mechanisms of action. Tissue-specific metabolisms. Fasting (1 ECTS)
DNA replication. Transcription. Genetic code. Protein synthesis (1 ECTS)
Learning evaluation methods
Oral discussion on three of the subjects listed in the teaching program.
Learning evaluation criteria
The student will have to demonstrate sound knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolism of sugars, lipids and aminoacids, and should give a view of the metabolic pathways in the context of the whole organism. Knowledge on the role played by vitamins in metabolism, the metabolic adaptation to different physiological conditions, and the biochemical principles of the transfer of the genetic information will also be required.
Learning measurement criteria
The final mark is attributed in thirtieths.
Final mark allocation criteria
In order to pass the examination, the student will have to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the subjects, and the capability to use an appropriate biochemical terminology.
Nelson D.L., Cox M.M. “Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger”. Zanichelli Ed.
Università Politecnica delle Marche
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