Unit BIOCHEMISTRY II

BIOCHEMISTRY OF HORMONES AND TISSUES

Code	A004713
Location	PERUGIA
CFU	3
Teacher	Barbara Cellini
Learning activities	Base
Area	Struttura, funzione e metabolismo delle molecole d'interesse biologico
Sector	BIO/10
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)

Cognomi A-L

CFU

3

Teacher

Barbara Cellini

Teachers

• Barbara Cellini

Hours

• 37.5 ore - Barbara Cellini

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

Hormones. Biochemistry of tissues and organs

Reference texts

Biochimica Medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti - Piccin editore
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger-Nelson, Cox – Zanichelli Editore
Fondamenti di biochimica umana- Maccarrone- Zanichelli Editore

Educational objectives

The knowledge acquired will include:
hormone synthesis and degradation;
metabolic specificities of various tissues of the human body.
The knowledge acquired should provide students with the following skills:
understanding the metabolism of different tissues and their integration;
basic competence in the field of metabolic regulation under different physiological conditions

Prerequisites

To successfully follow the Biochemistry course, it is necessary to have acquired basic knowledge of the Chemistry and Biochemistry I. In particular, to understand the language used in Metabolic Biochemistry, the student must be familiar with: -the structure and properties of biological molecules and macromolecules; the structure and function of the cell and its components.

Teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
Lectures covering all topics of the syllabus. During the lectures, students are encouraged to participate and ask for clarification.
Scheduled meetings, held in the classroom or via the Teams platform, for clarification and in-depth discussion.
Exercises and test simulations carried out using interactive teaching methodologies, such as the Wooclap application or Microsoft Forms.

Other information

Teaching activities will take place according to the schedule published on the website of the Degree Program in Medicine and Surgery.
Location: Department of Medicine and Surgery.
Student office hours: Prof. Cellini’s office, Building D, 2nd floor, by appointment to be requested via email.
For information on dispensatory measures that can be implemented for students with DSA and/or disabilities, see the page: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Learning verification modality

The exam consists of a written test comprising 36 multiple-choice questions covering all topics of the syllabus. The test will be graded by awarding 0.85 points for each correct answer, 0 points for each unanswered question, and applying a penalty of -0.2 points for each incorrect answer.
The written test will assess detailed knowledge of the functional properties of macromolecules and metabolic reactions, including the chemical structures of the compounds involved, the mechanisms regulating these reactions, and the integration of metabolism among the different tissues of the organism.
After passing the written test, students are given the opportunity to take an oral examination covering all course topics. The oral exam aims to evaluate the level of subject knowledge as well as the ability to make connections and integrate knowledge, also in relation to the future medical profession. The oral exam will also assess the student’s communication skills and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Extended program

HORMONES. General organization of the endocrine system. General aspects of hormone mechanisms of action. Glucose homeostasis. Insulin and glucagon: synthesis, mechanism of action, effects on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Molecular basis of diabetes. Hormones regulating calcium metabolism. Biosynthesis of calcitriol. Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones. Thyroid hormones: biosynthesis and mechanism of action. Hormones of the adrenal medulla: biosynthesis and degradation. Biosynthesis of steroid hormones: corticosteroids, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, sex hormones. Overview of eicosanoid synthesis and the role of cyclooxygenase.
BIOCHEMISTRY OF ORGANS AND TISSUES.
LIVER TISSUE: Function of hepatocytes in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism; hepatic detoxification reactions; synthesis and utilization of glucuronic acid; hepatic metabolism of ethanol; heme catabolism and bilirubin conjugation.
ADIPOSE TISSUE: Triglyceride metabolism in white adipose tissue; effects of insulin and glucagon; overview of the secretory function of white adipose tissue; metabolism of brown adipose tissue.
MUSCLE TISSUE: Actin and myosin; overview of the mechanism of muscle contraction; types of muscle fibers; phosphagen system; metabolism of skeletal muscle during anaerobic and aerobic exercise; metabolism of cardiac muscle tissue.
NERVOUS TISSUE: Biochemistry of the synapse; synthesis of the main neurotransmitters; metabolic peculiarities of nervous tissue.
BLOOD: Composition of serum and plasma; metabolic peculiarities of the erythrocyte; intestinal absorption of iron and its utilization; biosynthesis of the heme group.
TUMOR CELLS:Metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells (aerobic glycolysis and the Warburg effect, Krebs cycle, glutamine metabolism).

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Goal 3: Health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality education

Cognomi M-Z

CFU

3

Teacher

Barbara Cellini

Teachers

• Barbara Cellini

Hours

• 37.5 ore - Barbara Cellini

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

Hormones. Biochemistry of tissues and organs

Reference texts

Biochimica Medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti - Piccin editore
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger-Nelson, Cox – Zanichelli Editore
Fondamenti di biochimica umana- Maccarrone- Zanichelli Editore

Educational objectives

The knowledge acquired will include:
hormone synthesis and degradation;
metabolic specificities of various tissues of the human body.
The knowledge acquired should provide students with the following skills:
understanding the metabolism of different tissues and their integration;
basic competence in the field of metabolic regulation under different physiological conditions

Prerequisites

To successfully follow the Biochemistry course, it is necessary to have acquired basic knowledge of the Chemistry and Biochemistry I. In particular, to understand the language used in Metabolic Biochemistry, the student must be familiar with: -the structure and properties of biological molecules and macromolecules; the structure and function of the cell and its components.

Teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
Lectures covering all topics of the syllabus. During the lectures, students are encouraged to participate and ask for clarification.
Scheduled meetings, held in the classroom or via the Teams platform, for clarification and in-depth discussion.
Exercises and test simulations carried out using interactive teaching methodologies, such as the Wooclap application or Microsoft Forms.

Other information

Teaching activities will take place according to the schedule published on the website of the Degree Program in Medicine and Surgery.
Location: Department of Medicine and Surgery.
Student office hours: Prof. Cellini’s office, Building D, 2nd floor, by appointment to be requested via email.
For information on dispensatory measures that can be implemented for students with DSA and/or disabilities, see the page: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Learning verification modality

The exam consists of a written test comprising 36 multiple-choice questions covering all topics of the syllabus. The test will be graded by awarding 0.85 points for each correct answer, 0 points for each unanswered question, and applying a penalty of -0.2 points for each incorrect answer.
The written test will assess detailed knowledge of the functional properties of macromolecules and metabolic reactions, including the chemical structures of the compounds involved, the mechanisms regulating these reactions, and the integration of metabolism among the different tissues of the organism.
After passing the written test, students are given the opportunity to take an oral examination covering all course topics. The oral exam aims to evaluate the level of subject knowledge as well as the ability to make connections and integrate knowledge, also in relation to the future medical profession. The oral exam will also assess the student’s communication skills and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Extended program

HORMONES. General organization of the endocrine system. General aspects of hormone mechanisms of action. Glucose homeostasis. Insulin and glucagon: synthesis, mechanism of action, effects on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Molecular basis of diabetes. Hormones regulating calcium metabolism. Biosynthesis of calcitriol. Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones. Thyroid hormones: biosynthesis and mechanism of action. Hormones of the adrenal medulla: biosynthesis and degradation. Biosynthesis of steroid hormones: corticosteroids, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, sex hormones. Overview of eicosanoid synthesis and the role of cyclooxygenase.
BIOCHEMISTRY OF ORGANS AND TISSUES.
LIVER TISSUE: Function of hepatocytes in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism; hepatic detoxification reactions; synthesis and utilization of glucuronic acid; hepatic metabolism of ethanol; heme catabolism and bilirubin conjugation.
ADIPOSE TISSUE: Triglyceride metabolism in white adipose tissue; effects of insulin and glucagon; overview of the secretory function of white adipose tissue; metabolism of brown adipose tissue.
MUSCLE TISSUE: Actin and myosin; overview of the mechanism of muscle contraction; types of muscle fibers; phosphagen system; metabolism of skeletal muscle during anaerobic and aerobic exercise; metabolism of cardiac muscle tissue.
NERVOUS TISSUE: Biochemistry of the synapse; synthesis of the main neurotransmitters; metabolic peculiarities of nervous tissue.
BLOOD: Composition of serum and plasma; metabolic peculiarities of the erythrocyte; intestinal absorption of iron and its utilization; biosynthesis of the heme group.
TUMOR CELLS:Metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells (aerobic glycolysis and the Warburg effect, Krebs cycle, glutamine metabolism).

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Goal 3: Health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality education

METABOLIC BIOCHEMISTRY I

Code	A004711
Location	PERUGIA
CFU	3
Teacher	Barbara Cellini
Learning activities	Base
Area	Struttura, funzione e metabolismo delle molecole d'interesse biologico
Sector	BIO/10
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)

Cognomi A-L

CFU

3

Teacher

Barbara Cellini

Teachers

• Barbara Cellini

Hours

• 37.5 ore - Barbara Cellini

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

Terminal metabolism. Carbohydrate metabolism. Lipid metabolism.

Reference texts

Biochimica Medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti - Piccin editore
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger-Nelson, Cox – Zanichelli Editore
Fondamenti di biochimica umana- Maccarrone- Zanichelli Editore

Educational objectives

Main knowledge acquired will be:
-terminal metabolism of biological macromolecules
-main metabolic transformations of carbohydrates and lipids;
-regulation of anabolic and catabolic pathways of carbohydrates and lipids.
The main competence will be:
-understand the mechanisms of nutrient utilization for energy production and their interconversion.
-basic competence on metabolic regulation under physiological conditions.

Prerequisites

To successfully follow the Biochemistry course, it is necessary to have acquired knowledge of the Chemistry and Biochemistry I. In particular, to understand the language used in Metabolic Biochemistry, the student must be familiar with: -the structure and properties of biological molecules and macromolecules; the structure and function of the cell and its components.

Teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
Lectures covering all topics of the syllabus. During the lectures, students are encouraged to participate and ask for clarification.
Scheduled meetings, held in the classroom or via the Teams platform, for clarification and in-depth discussion.
Exercises and test simulations carried out using interactive teaching methodologies, such as the Wooclap application or Microsoft Forms.

Other information

Teaching activities will take place according to the schedule published on the website of the Degree Program in Medicine and Surgery.
Location: Department of Medicine and Surgery.
Student office hours: Prof. Cellini’s office, Building D, 2nd floor, by appointment to be requested via email.
For information on dispensatory measures that can be implemented for students with DSA and/or disabilities, see the page: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Learning verification modality

The exam consists of a written test comprising 36 multiple-choice questions covering all topics of the syllabus. The test will be graded by awarding 0.85 points for each correct answer, 0 points for each unanswered question, and applying a penalty of -0.2 points for each incorrect answer.
The written test will assess detailed knowledge of the functional properties of macromolecules and metabolic reactions, including the chemical structures of the compounds involved, the mechanisms regulating these reactions, and the integration of metabolism among the different tissues of the organism.
After passing the written test, students are given the opportunity to take an oral examination covering all course topics. The oral exam aims to evaluate the level of subject knowledge as well as the ability to make connections and integrate knowledge, also in relation to the future medical profession. The oral exam will also assess the student’s communication skills and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Extended program

TERMINAL METABOLISM. Origins of acetyl coenzyme A from the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. Krebs cycle: reactions, metabolic role, and regulation.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM. Review of the structures and properties of simple and complex sugars. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Glucose transport across cell membranes. Hexokinase and glucokinase. Metabolic fate of glucose-6-phosphate. Glycolysis: reactions, energy balance, and regulation in different tissues. Fate of pyruvate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Shuttle systems: malate-aspartate shuttle, glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle. Metabolism of fructose and galactose. Gluconeogenesis: reactions, energy balance, metabolic significance. Cori cycle. Coordinated regulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Pentose phosphate pathway: reactions of the oxidative and non-oxidative phases, regulation. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Glycogen metabolism: glycogen synthesis, glycogenolysis, regulation of glycogen metabolism in muscle and liver, role of glycogen in different tissues.
LIPID METABOLISM. Digestion and absorption of dietary lipids. Lipid transport in the blood: plasma lipoproteins (characteristics, functions, and metabolism), enzymes involved in lipoprotein metabolism, molecular basis of familial hypercholesterolemia. Mobilization of triacylglycerols and fatty acid catabolism: activation, transport to the mitochondria, beta-oxidation, brief notes on other oxidation mechanisms. Synthesis and utilization of ketone bodies. Metabolic adaptations induced by fasting. Fatty acid biosynthesis: citrate shuttle, malonyl-CoA synthesis, regulatory mechanisms, desaturation and elongation. Synthesis of triglycerides, phospholipids, and sphingolipids. Cholesterol biosynthesis and its regulation. Synthesis of bile acids and their conjugation.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Goal 3: Health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality education

Cognomi M-Z

CFU

3

Teacher

Barbara Cellini

Teachers

• Barbara Cellini

Hours

• 37.5 ore - Barbara Cellini

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

Terminal metabolism. Carbohydrate metabolism. Lipid metabolism.

Reference texts

Biochimica Medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti - Piccin editore
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger-Nelson, Cox – Zanichelli Editore
Fondamenti di biochimica umana- Maccarrone- Zanichelli Editore

Educational objectives

Main knowledge acquired will be:
-terminal metabolism of biological macromolecules
-main metabolic transformations of carbohydrates and lipids;
-regulation of anabolic and catabolic pathways of carbohydrates and lipids.
The main competence will be:
-understand the mechanisms of nutrient utilization for energy production and their interconversion.
-basic competence on metabolic regulation under physiological conditions.

Prerequisites

To successfully follow the Biochemistry course, it is necessary to have acquired knowledge of the Chemistry and Biochemistry I. In particular, to understand the language used in Metabolic Biochemistry, the student must be familiar with: -the structure and properties of biological molecules and macromolecules; the structure and function of the cell and its components.

Teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
Lectures covering all topics of the syllabus. During the lectures, students are encouraged to participate and ask for clarification.
Scheduled meetings, held in the classroom or via the Teams platform, for clarification and in-depth discussion.
Exercises and test simulations carried out using interactive teaching methodologies, such as the Wooclap application or Microsoft Forms.

Other information

Teaching activities will take place according to the schedule published on the website of the Degree Program in Medicine and Surgery.
Location: Department of Medicine and Surgery.
Student office hours: Prof. Cellini’s office, Building D, 2nd floor, by appointment to be requested via email.
For information on dispensatory measures that can be implemented for students with DSA and/or disabilities, see the page: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Learning verification modality

The exam consists of a written test comprising 36 multiple-choice questions covering all topics of the syllabus. The test will be graded by awarding 0.85 points for each correct answer, 0 points for each unanswered question, and applying a penalty of -0.2 points for each incorrect answer.
The written test will assess detailed knowledge of the functional properties of macromolecules and metabolic reactions, including the chemical structures of the compounds involved, the mechanisms regulating these reactions, and the integration of metabolism among the different tissues of the organism.
After passing the written test, students are given the opportunity to take an oral examination covering all course topics. The oral exam aims to evaluate the level of subject knowledge as well as the ability to make connections and integrate knowledge, also in relation to the future medical profession. The oral exam will also assess the student’s communication skills and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Extended program

TERMINAL METABOLISM. Origins of acetyl coenzyme A from the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. Krebs cycle: reactions, metabolic role, and regulation.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM. Review of the structures and properties of simple and complex sugars. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Glucose transport across cell membranes. Hexokinase and glucokinase. Metabolic fate of glucose-6-phosphate. Glycolysis: reactions, energy balance, and regulation in different tissues. Fate of pyruvate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Shuttle systems: malate-aspartate shuttle, glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle. Metabolism of fructose and galactose. Gluconeogenesis: reactions, energy balance, metabolic significance. Cori cycle. Coordinated regulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Pentose phosphate pathway: reactions of the oxidative and non-oxidative phases, regulation. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Glycogen metabolism: glycogen synthesis, glycogenolysis, regulation of glycogen metabolism in muscle and liver, role of glycogen in different tissues.
LIPID METABOLISM. Digestion and absorption of dietary lipids. Lipid transport in the blood: plasma lipoproteins (characteristics, functions, and metabolism), enzymes involved in lipoprotein metabolism, molecular basis of familial hypercholesterolemia. Mobilization of triacylglycerols and fatty acid catabolism: activation, transport to the mitochondria, beta-oxidation, brief notes on other oxidation mechanisms. Synthesis and utilization of ketone bodies. Metabolic adaptations induced by fasting. Fatty acid biosynthesis: citrate shuttle, malonyl-CoA synthesis, regulatory mechanisms, desaturation and elongation. Synthesis of triglycerides, phospholipids, and sphingolipids. Cholesterol biosynthesis and its regulation. Synthesis of bile acids and their conjugation.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Goal 3: Health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality education

METABOLIC BIOCHEMISTRY II

Code	A004712
Location	PERUGIA
CFU	3
Teacher	Barbara Cellini
Learning activities	Base
Area	Struttura, funzione e metabolismo delle molecole d'interesse biologico
Sector	BIO/10
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)

Cognomi A-L

CFU

3

Teacher

Barbara Cellini

Teachers

• Barbara Cellini

Hours

• 37.5 ore - Barbara Cellini

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

Protein and amino acid metabolism. Nucleotide metabolism. Nucleic acid metabolism. Protein synthesis and post-translational modifications.

Reference texts

Biochimica Medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti - Piccin editore
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger-Nelson, Cox – Zanichelli Editore
Fondamenti di biochimica umana- Maccarrone- Zanichelli Editore

Educational objectives

The knowledge acquired will include:
-amino acid and protein metabolism;
-nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism;
-protein synthesis and post-translational modifications.
The knowledge acquired should provide students with the following skills:
understanding the mechanisms of amino acid utilization for energy purposes, synthesis pathways and interconversions;
basic competence in the field of nucleotide synthesis and the metabolism of DNA and RNA.

Prerequisites

To successfully follow the Biochemistry course, it is necessary to have acquired basic knowledge of the Chemistry and Biochemistry course. In particular, to understand the language used in Metabolic Biochemistry, the student must be familiar with: -the structure and properties of biological molecules and macromolecules; the structure and function of the cell and its components.

Teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
Lectures covering all topics of the syllabus. During the lectures, students are encouraged to participate and ask for clarification.
Scheduled meetings, held in the classroom or via the Teams platform, for clarification and in-depth discussion.
Exercises and test simulations carried out using interactive teaching methodologies, such as the Wooclap application or Microsoft Forms.

Other information

Teaching activities will take place according to the schedule published on the website of the Degree Program in Medicine and Surgery.
Location: Department of Medicine and Surgery.
Student office hours: Prof. Cellini’s office, Building D, 2nd floor, by appointment to be requested via email.
For information on dispensatory measures that can be implemented for students with DSA and/or disabilities, see the page: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Learning verification modality

The exam consists of a written test comprising 36 multiple-choice questions covering all topics of the syllabus. The test will be graded by awarding 0.85 points for each correct answer, 0 points for each unanswered question, and applying a penalty of -0.2 points for each incorrect answer.
The written test will assess detailed knowledge of the functional properties of macromolecules and metabolic reactions, including the chemical structures of the compounds involved, the mechanisms regulating these reactions, and the integration of metabolism among the different tissues of the organism.
After passing the written test, students are given the opportunity to take an oral examination covering all course topics. The oral exam aims to evaluate the level of subject knowledge as well as the ability to make connections and integrate knowledge, also in relation to the future medical profession. The oral exam will also assess the student’s communication skills and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Extended program

PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID METABOLISM.
Digestion of dietary proteins and absorption of amino acids. Gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal proteases. Essential and non-essential amino acids. Nutritional value of proteins. Protein turnover in humans. Nitrogen balance. Transamination.
Oxidative and non-oxidative deamination.
Urea cycle: reactions, regulation, and energy balance. Systems for ammonia transport to the liver. Fate of the carbon skeleton: glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids.
Metabolism of the following amino acids: glycine, serine, cysteine, methionine, aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, threonine, branched-chain amino acids. Molecular basis of amino acid metabolism disorders. Derivatives of amino acid metabolism. Polyamines.
NUCLEOTIDE METABOLISM. Review of nucleotide structures and properties. De novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides and its regulation. Overview of de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides. Conversion of ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleotides. Thymidylate synthase. Purine nucleotide salvage pathways. Catabolism of purine nucleotides. Molecular basis of gout.
NUCLEIC ACID METABOLISM. Review of the structures of ribonucleic acids and deoxyribonucleic acids. Mechanisms of action, properties, and biotechnological applications of enzymes involved in replication, transcription, and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes: DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, reverse transcriptase, RNA polymerase. Overview of DNA recombination and DNA editing. Eukaryotic mRNA maturation: cap insertion, polyadenylation, intron removal (splicing). RNA silencing and its therapeutic applications.
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS AND POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATIONS. Properties of enzymes involved in protein synthesis (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and peptidyl transferase) and energy balance. Insertion of selenocysteine. Inhibitors of protein biosynthesis. Subcellular targeting of proteins. Post-translational modifications of proteins. Biosynthesis of N-glycoproteins and overview of O-glycosylation.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Goal 3: Health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality education

Cognomi M-Z

CFU

3

Teacher

Barbara Cellini

Teachers

• Barbara Cellini

Hours

• 37.5 ore - Barbara Cellini

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

Protein and amino acid metabolism. Nucleotide metabolism. Nucleic acid metabolism. Protein synthesis and post-translational modifications.

Reference texts

Biochimica Medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti - Piccin editore
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger-Nelson, Cox – Zanichelli Editore
Fondamenti di biochimica umana- Maccarrone- Zanichelli Editore

Educational objectives

The knowledge acquired will include:
-amino acid and protein metabolism;
-nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism;
-protein synthesis and post-translational modifications.
The knowledge acquired should provide students with the following skills:
understanding the mechanisms of amino acid utilization for energy purposes, synthesis pathways and interconversions;
basic competence in the field of nucleotide synthesis and the metabolism of DNA and RNA.

Prerequisites

To successfully follow the Biochemistry course, it is necessary to have acquired basic knowledge of the Chemistry and Biochemistry course. In particular, to understand the language used in Metabolic Biochemistry, the student must be familiar with: -the structure and properties of biological molecules and macromolecules; the structure and function of the cell and its components.

Teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
Lectures covering all topics of the syllabus. During the lectures, students are encouraged to participate and ask for clarification.
Scheduled meetings, held in the classroom or via the Teams platform, for clarification and in-depth discussion.
Exercises and test simulations carried out using interactive teaching methodologies, such as the Wooclap application or Microsoft Forms.

Other information

Teaching activities will take place according to the schedule published on the website of the Degree Program in Medicine and Surgery.
Location: Department of Medicine and Surgery.
Student office hours: Prof. Cellini’s office, Building D, 2nd floor, by appointment to be requested via email.
For information on dispensatory measures that can be implemented for students with DSA and/or disabilities, see the page: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Learning verification modality

The exam consists of a written test comprising 36 multiple-choice questions covering all topics of the syllabus. The test will be graded by awarding 0.85 points for each correct answer, 0 points for each unanswered question, and applying a penalty of -0.2 points for each incorrect answer.
The written test will assess detailed knowledge of the functional properties of macromolecules and metabolic reactions, including the chemical structures of the compounds involved, the mechanisms regulating these reactions, and the integration of metabolism among the different tissues of the organism.
After passing the written test, students are given the opportunity to take an oral examination covering all course topics. The oral exam aims to evaluate the level of subject knowledge as well as the ability to make connections and integrate knowledge, also in relation to the future medical profession. The oral exam will also assess the student’s communication skills and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Extended program

PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID METABOLISM.
Digestion of dietary proteins and absorption of amino acids. Gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal proteases. Essential and non-essential amino acids. Nutritional value of proteins. Protein turnover in humans. Nitrogen balance. Transamination.
Oxidative and non-oxidative deamination.
Urea cycle: reactions, regulation, and energy balance. Systems for ammonia transport to the liver. Fate of the carbon skeleton: glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids.
Metabolism of the following amino acids: glycine, serine, cysteine, methionine, aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, threonine, branched-chain amino acids. Molecular basis of amino acid metabolism disorders. Derivatives of amino acid metabolism. Polyamines.
NUCLEOTIDE METABOLISM. Review of nucleotide structures and properties. De novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides and its regulation. Overview of de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides. Conversion of ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleotides. Thymidylate synthase. Purine nucleotide salvage pathways. Catabolism of purine nucleotides. Molecular basis of gout.
NUCLEIC ACID METABOLISM. Review of the structures of ribonucleic acids and deoxyribonucleic acids. Mechanisms of action, properties, and biotechnological applications of enzymes involved in replication, transcription, and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes: DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, reverse transcriptase, RNA polymerase. Overview of DNA recombination and DNA editing. Eukaryotic mRNA maturation: cap insertion, polyadenylation, intron removal (splicing). RNA silencing and its therapeutic applications.
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS AND POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATIONS. Properties of enzymes involved in protein synthesis (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and peptidyl transferase) and energy balance. Insertion of selenocysteine. Inhibitors of protein biosynthesis. Subcellular targeting of proteins. Post-translational modifications of proteins. Biosynthesis of N-glycoproteins and overview of O-glycosylation.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Goal 3: Health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality education