Teaching code

4S000089

Credits

4

Coordinatore

Maria Scupoli

Language

Italian

Moodle Seminars

The teaching is organized as follows:

Learning outcomes

Teaching aims to provide knowledge of human biology in an evolutionary vision with particular reference to the molecular and cellular processes common to all living organisms, to raise awareness of the structures and functions of biological macromolecules and the main metabolic pathways in which they are involved. The student should be able to explain the cellular mechanisms underlying the functioning of the whole organism and grasp the pathogenic meaning of any alterations of them; it should also be able to recognize the different ways in which Mendelian characters are transmitted in humans and finally stimulate the student's interest in biomolecular sciences by giving maximum emphasis to the interconnections between biochemical processes and the energy variations associated with them. BIOCHEMICAL MODULE Training objectives: The course aims to present the relationship between the structure and function of biological macromolecoly and the main metabolic pathways in which they are involved. The key objective is to stimulate the student's interest in biomolecular sciences by giving maximum prominence to the interconnections between biochemical processes and the energy variations associated with them. At the end of the teaching, the student/student will have to demonstrate that they have acquired terminology and useful knowledge for a critical analysis of vital biochemical processes in order to achieve autonomy of critical and comprehensive evaluation of the processes themselves. APPLIED BIOLOGY MODULE Training objective: Providing knowledge of human biology in an evolutionary vision with particular reference to the molecular and cellular processes common to all living organisms. Provide knowledge about the mutagenic action of chemical and physical agents. Provide knowledge about the transmission of hereditary characters. The student should be able to explain the cellular mechanisms underlying the functioning of the whole organism and grasp the pathogenic meaning of any alterations of them; it must also be able to recognize the different ways in which Mendelian characters are transmitted in humans. At the end of the lesson, the student will have to demonstrate that he has acquired the basic knowledge of the mechanisms that govern life and cell reproduction, the interactions between cells, between organisms and between organisms and the environment. It will also need to demonstrate that it has acquired knowledge about the mechanisms of transmission of hereditary characters and will have to be able to recognise how genetic diseases are transmitted in humans, particularly those relating to tooth development and structure. These basic knowledges are a pre-requisite for further specialist insights that will be the subject of the lessons of the following years of course.

Program

- Building blocks of the biological matter: the polymeric structure of biological macromolecules.
The carbon atom, electronic configuration and hybridization states . Classification of organic compounds and functional groups; hydrocarbons; alcohols; thiols; amines; Aldehydes and ketones; Carboxylic acids; Esters and anhydrides. The oxidation state of organic compounds.
- Protein structure and function: structure and physicochemical properties of amino acids. The peptide bond. Protein structure levels; Fibrous protein; Globular proteins. Hemoglobin and myoglobin: structure, function, factors that influence the oxygen bond, hemoglobin variants. Enzymes: reaction rate, enzymatic catalysis; Coenzymes and cofactors; Water-soluble vitamins; Regulation of enzymatic activity.
- Introduction to metabolism. Metabolic pathways, anabolism and catabolism. The chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier principle; Equilibrium constant. Chemical transformations and energy changes: Gibbs free energy, exo- and endoergonic reactions. Spontaneity of metabolic reactions end equilibria; Molecules with high energy content: ATP. Redox coenzymes; Regulation of metabolism.
- Carbohydrate structure and metabolism: chemistry of monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides. Digestion. Glycolysis and its regulation; gluconeogenesis; Glycogen synthesis and glycogenolysis. The pentose monophosphate path.
- Citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation: the cycle of citric acid and its regulation; Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
- Lipid structure and metabolism: general aspects and classification. Fatty acid chemistry. Digestion of lipids, β-oxidation of fatty acids; chetonic bodies; Fatty acid biosynthesis.
General characteristics of living organisms.
- Life macromolecules: DNA, RNA.
- Cell structure and function: general characteristics, subcellular components. Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus.
- The molecular basis of hereditary information. DNA characteristics. DNA replication.
- Gene expression. Genetic code, transcription, translation.
- Mutations: types and effects. Spontaneous mutations. Mutagenesis by chemical and physical agents.
- Genome Organization.
- Chromatin: composition and structure.
- Chromosomes: structural patterns, karyotype, anomalies.
- The cell cycle. Mitosis
- Sexual and meiosis reproduction. Gametogenesis.
- Genetics. Transmission of hereditary characters, Mendel's laws. Genotype and phenotype, autosomal and sex-related inheritance.
Lessons are delivered in dual mode - face to face and online. The material of the lessons will be available in the Moodle space.

Bibliography

Examination Methods

The assessment of learning outcomes envisages a written test for each teaching module to ensure knowledge of the topics under consideration. The written test potentially covers all the topics listed in the program. It is articulated in groups of question related to the main themes of the course. Items are formulated as multiple answer questions and open answer questions. The answer to each item requires knowledge of biochemistry and biology terminology, ability to understand metabolic and biological processes. The examination will be validated with a minimum score of 18/30. The overall evaluation of the answers to the questions is expressed in thirty/30.
The exam is held in person. In any case, for the 2020/21 academic year the remote modality is guaranteed for all students who request it.