Analytical Biochemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

Biochemistry; Metabolism; Molecular Biology; Analytical Chemistry; Instrumental Analysis; Analytical Technology.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical lectures are supported by visual media (slide show) and students are encouraged to actively participate by answering and posing questions as well as correlation of knowledge. In laboratory classes, students execute a series of analytical quantifications employing a variety of techniques ranging from spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, electrophoresis, chromatography, centrifugation, immunochemistry.

Learning Outcomes

The goal of this course is for the students to acquire competencies which will enable them to select the appropriate technique or series of techniques for the resolution of an analytical problem. Upon completing this course, the student should i) be aware of the diversity of biological samples, how they may be collected and stored; ii) be able to identify the physical-chemical properties of biomolecules and how these are used for their isolation, quantification and analysis; iii) recognize the different techniques and methods used in biochemical analysis, both with regards to the analysis of biological samples and use of the activity of biomolecules for samples analysis.

Students should also acquire practical skills and be able to interpret, analyze and communicate their results both orally and in writing.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Theoretical Syllabus:

1. Biological samples: types, collection and preservation.

2. Extraction and Purification of Biomolecules, cellular disruption, fractioning and separation techniques.

3. Analysis and quantification of biomolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.

4. Radioisotopes and Fluorescent Probes

5. Immunochemical Techniques

6. Enzymatic methods.

7. Biosensors

 

Laboratory Syllabus:

1. Extraction and isolation of proteins

2. Quantification of Proteins.

3. Protein separation using SDS-PAGE

4. Analysis of DNA fragments using agarose electrophoreses.

5. Enzymatic activity of Acetylcholine Esterase: the Ensman Method.

6. Identification of the oxidation state of hemo/mioglobin using spectral analysis.

7. Determination of glucose concentration using enzyme-based biosensors.

8. Immunochemical methods: ELISA.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Margarida da Cruz Ledo

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Continuos evaluation in Laboratory classes : 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 20.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

- Holme, D. J. and Peck, H., Analytical Biochemistry, 3rd edition. Pearson Education, 1998.

- Wilson, K. & Walker, J. (Eds), Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 7th Edition. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

- Lottspeich, F. and Engels, JW (Eds) Bioanalytics.  Analytical Methods and Concepts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wiley, 2018

- Burtis C., Ashwood E., Bruns D. (Eds), Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry, 6th Edition. Saunders, Elsevier, 2008.

- Berg, JM., Tymoczko, JL., Stryer, L. Biochemistry 7th Ed. Freeman and Co. 2012

- Nelson, DL., Cox, MM Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry 8th Ed. Macmillan International Higher Education, New York, 2021

Bibliografia suplementar:

Artigos Científicos mencionados nos diapositivos das aulas teóricas e/ou protocolos das aulas PL

Fornecidos conjuntamente com os protocolos das aulas PL

Supplementary Bibliography:

Scientific articles mentioned in slides and protocols.