Physiological Biochemistry I
Bioquímica Fisiológica I
Curse code:9548102
Maria Madalena Seabra de Oliveira Salema Cordeiro Oom
Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:
Presenting an introduction to the chemistry of life, at the end of this course the student should be able to acquire basic concepts of biochemist, as well as capacity to relate them in order to understand the functions of cells and the molecular base of human body physiology. The general objectives are:
- To understand the complexity of the biological structures, processes and interrelationship of the body in homeostasis and in disease through the study of the chemical and three-dimensional structure of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and the watery environment of the body’s tissues;
- To understand the role of the enzymes and how they allow the regulation of metabolism;
- To understand the global strategy of cellular metabolism, and the way cell obtains and stores energy from the nutrients and use it in the essential processes to the cell and to the human body;
- To develop self-learning skills, team work, critical thinking and communication.
Syllabus:
- Molecular architecture of life: Water. Physiological buffers. Amino acids and peptides. Structural organization of proteins and relation with function. Structure and function of carbohydrates and lipids.
- Enzymes and control of metabolic reactions: General concepts, mode of enzyme action, coenzymes, kinetic, inhibition and regulation of enzyme activity.
- Metabolism. Organization/regulation of the metabolism: the role of ATP. Energy metabolism: cellular respiration, energy generation from carbohydrates and fatty acids: glycolysis and beta- oxidation. Use and storage of glycogen and blood glucose control: glycogenesis, glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Other pathways of carbohydrate metabolism: pentose phosphate pathway. Use and storage of lipid reserve: beta-oxidation, ketogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. Amino acid catabolism and urea cycle; Integration of metabolism and tissue specificity.
Suggested Bibliography:
- Lieberman, M., Marks, A. D., & Smith, C. M. (2009). Marks' basic medical biochemistry: a clinical approach (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN-13: 978-1608313983. (Chapter: 2-9, 19-23, 28, 29, 31,33, 38).
- Murray, R., K. et al. (2012). Harper's illustrated biochemistry (29 ed.). New York: Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill. ISBN-13: 978-0071765763.
- Lehninger, A. L., Nelson, D. L., & Cox, M. M. (2008). Lehninger principles of biochemistry (5th ed.). New York: W.H. Freeman. ISBN-13: 978-0716771081.
- Quintas, A., Freire, A. P., & Halpern, M. J. (2008). Bioquímica, Organização molecular da vida. Lisboa, Portugal: Lidel. ISBN-13: 978-0716771081.