Biochemistry II

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in Organic Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Anatomophysiology is recommended. Good skills in the English language are also convenient.

Teaching Methods

The lectures are exhibition of the most important concepts about the different aspects of the metabolism of different organs, trying to integrate this information with guidance for seeking and acquiring knowledge needed to set goals. Students are encouraged to participate in the lectures, analyzing case studies that provide acquisition and application of knowledge.

The laboratory classes illustrate relevant aspects studied in the lectures, facilitating the consolidation of concepts and intend to teach students to think, to identify and solve problems, to present and discuss the results.

Learning Outcomes

Biochemistry II aims to study the major metabolic pathways, the functions of distinct dietary constituents, and the bioenergetics as well as to present an integrated perspective of metabolism and its regulation, in order to provide a better understanding of both human health and disease; the student will acquire knowledge that will be useful to analyze changes in biomarkers of different organs to understand the mechanisms of disease, toxicity and to provide the diagnosis. The laboratory classes illustrate and consolidate relevant theoretical concepts under discussion in the lectures. In addition, students learn to work in laboratories and acquire know how, learn to identify and solve problems, to adapt methodologies to new situations and to present and discuss results.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Bioenergetic metabolism; Cellular energy forms and their functions; Metabolic pathways, catabolism and anabolism; Mitochondria, liver and pancreas functions and regulation of metabolism. Metabolic specificity of the organs

Metabolism and glucose homeostasis; Glycolysis; Krebs cycle and aerobic ATP synthesis. Glycogen metabolism; gluconeogenesis and the pentose shunt; Regulation and changes in the metabolism of carbohydrates

Metabolism and physiological organization of lipids; Oxidation, biosynthesis and storage of fatty acids; Ketogenesis. Changes and atherosclerosis

Metabolism of proteins and amino acids; Balance and Turnover; Biosynthesis of amino acids and biogenic amines. Importance in clinical diagnosis

Integration and regulation of metabolic pathways; Adaptation and interrelation of different nutritional status

Digestion of disaccharides and polysaccharides; Quantification of lactate, phospholipids, cholesterol and urea in human serum; Lipids extraction methods.

Head Lecturer(s)

José Barata Antunes Custódio

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

D. Voet; J. G. Voet. Biochemistry. 4^rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. USA.

J.M. Berg, J. L. Tymoczko, L. Stryer. Biochemistry. 5^th Edition, Freeman, New York.

T. Devlin. Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations. 4^thEd. Wiley-Liss, NY