Biomedical ScienceModule Biochimica
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: GABRIELLA LUPOExpected Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1) Understand the structure and function of major biomolecules and key cellular metabolic processes, focusing on interactions with chemical and physical agents relevant to the environment and the workplace.
2) Apply biochemical concepts to the prevention of chemical and biological risks; interpret basic biochemical data in safety and health contexts.
3) Assess the biochemical effects of toxic substances and identify potential biomarkers of exposure or damage.
4) Use scientific language to describe biochemical processes in a professional and multidisciplinary context.
5) Develop independent learning skills in biochemistry and toxicology.
Course Structure
Traditional lectures, with the support of slides and audiovisual tools. At the end of the lecture, ample space is given to the comment on the discussed topics.
Should teaching be carried out in mixed modality or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous roles, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the Syllabus.
Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) of competence.Required Prerequisites
The course includes the minimum basic requirements to be able to follow the lessons and take the final exam. The student attending the Biochemistry course will have to know the fundamental concepts of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemical Propaedeutics and have a good knowledge base of physics and cell biology.
Attendance of Lessons
Mandatory, according to the percentages of attendance dictated by the regulations of the Degree Program
Detailed Course Content
PROTEINS
CHROMOPROTEINS FOR OXYGEN TRANSPORT
PLASMA PROTEIN
ENZYMES AND ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS
THE CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM
THE LIPID METABOLISM
THE METABOLISM OF AMINOACID
VITAMINS
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PROTEINS The structure of amino acids. The peptide bond. Structural organization of proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary structures. Globular proteins: albumin and chromoproteins. Fibrous proteins: collagen, elastin, keratin. | Text 1: chap. 4; Text 2: chap. 3 e 4; Text 3: see index. |
| 2 | CHROMOPROTEINS CARRIERS OF OXYGEN The structure of the Eme. Insertion of oxygen. Myoglobin: structure and function. Similarities and differences with Hemoglobin. Hemoglobin: structure and function. The transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. | Text 1: chap. 5; Text 2: chap. 5; Text 3: see index. |
| 3 | Plasma proteins. Albumin and its main functions. The main plasma proteins: gamma-globulins (function and outline of the structure); plasma lipoproteins, metabolism and physiological role. Notes on the coagulation cascade. | Text 2: chap. 25; Text 3: see index. |
| 4 | ENZYMES AND ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS | - Text 1: chap. 6; Text 2: chap. 7; Text 3: see index. |
| 5 | GLUCIDIC METABOLISM: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the Krebs cycle. Fermentations and LDH. Cori and alanine cycle. The metabolic fate of pyruvate. | Text 1: chap. 7, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19 (parts treated in class); Text 2: chap. 1 e 12; Text 3: see index. |
| 6 | THE LIPID METABOLISM. Digestion and absorption of fatty acids. Beta-oxidation, regulation and energy yield. Adjustment. Formation, properties and role of ketone bodies. The synthesis of fatty acids and its regulation. | Text 1: chap. 10, 17 e 21 (only 21.1); Text 2: chap. 2 e 13; Text 3: see index. |
| 7 | THE METABOLISM OF AMINO ACIDS. Digestion and absorption of amino acids and peptides. The catabolism of aa: transamination, deamination and decarboxylation reactions. Glutamate dehydrogenase. Renal Glutaminase. Urea cycle. | Text 1: chap. 18; Text 2: chap. 14 (parts treated in class); Text 3: see index. |
| 8 | VITAMINS | Text 2: chap. 8; Text 3: see index. |
| 9 | MECHANISM OF ACTION OF HORMONES AND METABOLIC INTEGRATIONS | Text 2, see index (topics treated in class); Text 3: see index |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Oral interview.
Should the conditions require it, the verification of learning can also be carried out electronically or in writing. In any case, it will always be communicated in good time to students during the course of the lessons.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
The Cori cycle and the Alanine cycles
- Metabolic role of the liver in fasting and well-fed conditions
- Mechanism of action of hormones