Knowledge and understanding: The student must acquire basic knowledge of the major processes of metabolism, of the molecular structure of the major organic molecules, of the function of the major classes of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, sugars and lipids) and of the complex interplay of metabolic pathways (catabolic and biosynthetic).
Apply knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to describe the relationships between macromolecular structures and their function, the relationship between the different metabolic pathways within a cell, organ or tissue, the processes and mechanisms by which these metabolic pathways are regulated and how changes in these processes can be associated with pathological dysfunction of a cell and organism.
Making judgement: The student must be able to critically discuss the different aspects of metabolic pathways and their correlation with pathological dysfunction.
Communication skills: Ability to use a scientific lexicon.
Learning skills : The student must show that he/she can face the systematic study of biochemistry independently and profitably and is able to transfer the theoretical concepts to real application situations.

Basic knowledge of General Chemistry

1.Basic principles of Biochemistry propaedeutics
2. Bioenergetics, nature and function of energy compounds;
3. Metabolic mechanisms of the main classes of organic compounds;
4 .Mechanisms of regulation and interconnection of the different
metabolic pathways.

Samaja M, Paroni R. «Chimica e Biochimica per le lauree triennali dell’area biomedica» Piccin 2017

Carbohydrates: Structure and properties of
monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. The glycosidic bond.
Carbohydrates of biological interest: glucose, fructose, ribose, sucrose,
lactose, starch, cellulose, glycogen. Glycoproteins.
Lipids: Structure and properties of fatty acids (phospholipids, glycolipids, triglycerides)
Cholesterol.
Amino acids and Proteins: structural organization, classification,
functions, conformational changes. Ligands.
Structure and function of hemoglobin e myoglobin: transport
of oxygen.
Enzymes and catalysts:
definition of enzyme and reaction rate. Notes on regulation of enzymatic activity.
Introduction to metabolism.:
concept of metabolic pathway, catabolism and anabolism. ATP: structure and function
Glucose metabolism:
glycolysis: stages, energy balance and regulation.
Pyruvate and lactic fermentation, decarboxylation oxidative of pyruvate by the mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase
Krebs cycle, respiratory chain and
the proton motive force generated , synthesis of ATP and its coupling with the respiratory chain.
Gluconeogenesis
Role of liver in glycemic homeostasis, hormonal regulation of
blood sugar, insulin and glucagon
Glycogen: role and significance of glycogen in the various tissues (differences between liver and muscle)
Metabolism of lipids:
Transport of lipids in the blood: main characteristics of plasma lipoproteins.
Triglycerides as a source of oxidizable fatty acids, oxidation of acids
fats: enzymatic stages, balance and energy yield.
Formation of ketone bodies and their metabolic significance.
Metabolism of amino acids:
Essential and non-essential amino acids.
Digestion of proteins and catabolism of amino acids: transamination, oxidative deamination (outline).

Frontal lesson, with the use of presentations in Power Point
format prepared by the teacher.

A copy of the teaching material projected in class and in-depth material will be available on the Teams platform of the course

Written test consisting of 18 multiple choice questions and 2 open-ended questions. Duration of the test 1 hour. The final mark will be thirty points based on the following criteria: 1 point for each correct multiple answer and 0 points for an incorrect or missing answer, 6 points for each open answer if the student can demonstrate excellent knowledge of the subject, has answered exhaustively and with excellent language skills. A score of less than 6 is also provided for multiple answers - from 5 points to 1 point if the answer is incomplete or only partially correct and the argument is presented in a convoluted manner and with little or no knowledge of the language, 0 points if the student does not answer or does not demonstrate acceptable knowledge of the content
The dates for the module examinations, the registration of the student for the partial examination and the notification of the grade to the student are managed on the ESSE3 platform

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs)