General Biochemistry
Bioquímica Geral
Course code:68110
Maria Gabriela Machado de Almeida
Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:
Objectives:
- To learn the basic concepts of biochemistry
- To get a broad overview of the molecular phenomena involved in biological processes
- To understand the role of several biomarkers in pathological conditions
Skills:
- Recognizes the terminology, nomenclature and conventions used in biochemistry
- Describes the main classes of biological molecules and metabolic pathways
- Understands the basic principles and functional mechanisms in living organisms
- Knows the main structural and/or functional changes of the functional and regulatory entities of the human body, arising from changes intrinsic or extrinsic to them and that cause pathological situations or adverse effects
- Identifies and understands several problems in the human body, correlating them with laboratory practices that are relevant to the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of disease conditions
- Develops research work in its professional field as well as in other related areas
Syllabus:
- Introduction
General concepts. Historical revision.
Small biological molecules. - Amino acids and Proteins
Amino acids: definition and classes.
Proteins: structure and properties. Isoelectric point. Cofactors.
Examples. - Enzyme kinetics
Classification and nomenclature of enzymes.
Reaction rate. Michaelis-Menten kinetics.
Inhibitors.
Coenzymes/vitamins.
Regulation of enzyme activity.
Applications. - Metabolisms
Anabolism and catabolism: general aspects.
Metabolism of carbohydrates: glycolysis, Krebs’ cycle. Oxidative phosphorylation.
Neoglucogenesis. The Cori’s cycle.
Metabolism of lipids: digestion, absorption and transport of lipids. B-Oxidation of fat acids. Ketogenesis.
Suggested Bibliography:
- Quintas A, Freire AP & Halpern MJ (2008) Bioquímica: Organização molecular da vida, 1st ed., Lidel, edições técnicas, Lisboa
- Devlin TM (1997) Textbook of Biochemistry with clinical correlations, 4th ed., J. Wiley & Sons, NY
- Stryer L (1999) Biochemistry, 3rd ed., W. H. Freeman and Company, NY
- Voet D, Voet J & Pratt C (1999) Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Jonh Wiley & Sons – NY
- Murray RK, Bender DA, Botham KM, Kennelly PJ, Rodwell VW & Weil PA (2006) Harper's IIIustrated Biochemistry, 27th ed., Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill, Boston
- Nelson DL & Cox MM (2009) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 5th ed., W.H. Freeman