Biomedical ScienceModule Biochimica
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: GABRIELLA LUPOExpected Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of the main biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids) and the fundamental principles of enzymatic catalysis and metabolic regulation.
They should also understand the organization of the main cellular metabolic pathways and their role in maintaining physiological homeostasis, with particular reference to biological mechanisms involved in the body’s response to environmental and occupational factors.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Students should be able to apply basic biochemical knowledge to interpret the main physiological processes of the human body and understand the molecular basis of biological effects induced by chemical and physical agents present in the environment and workplaces.
They should also be able to correlate this knowledge with laboratory data and biological indicators used in exposure monitoring and health risk assessment.
3. Making judgements
Students should be able to critically interpret basic biochemical information and evaluate its biological significance in the context of physiological and metabolic processes of the human body.
They should also develop an initial approach to scientific reasoning applied to the assessment of biological effects of environmental and occupational factors.
4. Communication skills
Students should be able to clearly and correctly present the main concepts of general biochemistry, using appropriate scientific language both orally and in writing, and actively participate in discussions on biological, biomedical, and environmental topics.
5. Learning skills
Students should develop independent study skills and the ability to integrate biochemical knowledge with other disciplines in the degree program, acquiring the foundations necessary to understand subsequent courses in biological sciences, toxicology, environmental hygiene, and occupational health prevention.
Course Structure
Frontal lessons.
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
In order to be able to understand and attend the course profitably, it is useful for the student to have a fair knowledge of the basic elements of general and inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and cellular biology, as well as the basic foundations of general physics.
Attendance of Lessons
According to the degree course regulations.
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
The examination is written.
The following parameters will be taken into account for the attribution of the final grade:
Score 29-30 cum laude: the student has an IN-DEPTH knowledge of the subject, has excellent communication skills and masters the technical-scientific language.
Score 26-28: the student has a GOOD knowledge of the subject and explains the topics clearly using appropriate technical-scientific language;
Score 22-25: the student has a DISCRETE knowledge of the subject, even if limited to the main topics and explains the topics quite clearly with a reasonable command of language;
Score 18-21: the student has the MINIMUM knowledge of the subject and explains the topics clearly enough although the language skills are poorly developed;
Exam not passed: the student DOES NOT HAVE THE MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE required of the main contents of the course. The ability to use specific language is very poor or non-existent and he is not able to apply the acquired knowledge independently.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1. Describe the major cellular proteins and their roles in metabolic and detoxification processes. Example: liver enzymes involved in the biotransformation of xenobiotics (cytochrome P450s).
2. Discuss how protein misfolding and protein aggregation can affect cellular function and contribute to oxidative stress or toxic-related diseases.
3. Describe glucose metabolism and explain the role of hepatic gluconeogenesis during fasting.
4. Relate the importance of stable blood glucose levels to the function of energy-intensive tissues, such as the brain and skeletal muscles, and discuss how toxins or chemical exposure can affect these processes.
5. Describe lipid and protein metabolism, highlighting hormonal regulation (insulin, glucagon, cortisol) and changes in response to metabolic stress or environmental exposure.
6. Describe the main mechanisms of cellular detoxification, with particular reference to liver enzymes, antioxidants, and molecular repair systems.
7. Explain the mechanisms of oxidative stress and cellular damage induced by environmental pollutants (heavy metals, solvents, particulate matter), and describe the role of the main intracellular antioxidant systems.
8. Explain the role of cofactors and vitamins in metabolism and detoxification, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione, and how their deficiency can increase vulnerability to toxic substances.