Biochemistry II

Recommended Prerequisites

A. Knowledge:

Acquisition of a set of basic knowledge in the curricular units of Biochemistry I and Cellular and Molecular Biology I in the 1st semester of MIM.

Ability to interpret results in graphs or tables.

Ability to read and understand the recommended bibliography, as well as written and oral expression, in Portuguese and English.

B. Skills and attitudes:

Skills_ Ability to use informatic resources for bibliographic research of new contents that may help the autonomous study and the preparation of oral presentations (or panel presentations, if required).

Attitudes_ Motivation and ability to study independently, critical thinking, openness to continuous and integrated learning and ability to work in a group.

Teaching Methods

T (and S) classes are structured in order to stimulate the understanding and integration of knowledge, with a view to its application in solving relevant issues in biomedicine.

P classes include the application of methodologies and laboratory tests used in clinical biochemistry, supported by theoretical knowledge and basic principles of laboratory practice. This promotes a critical approach to the results obtained and is developed through problem-based learning, in which the student is encouraged to interpret and discuss basic clinical cases considering acquired biochemical knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

Main goal:

At the end of the learning process, the student should be able to understand how the metabolic pathways and cell signaling processes that contribute to the homeostasis of cells, tissues and the organism are integrated, and how modifications in the structure and function of a molecule or mechanism of cellular and/or hormonal regulation are correlated with alterations of metabolic processes, leading to disease.

Specific objectives:

- Understand the metabolic specificity and signaling pathways of the main tissues and organs, and their interrelationship;

- Explain the biochemical mechanisms responsible for the homeostasis of cells and the body and the influence of several hormones;

- Understand the mechanisms underlying metabolic changes throughout life;

- Describe the molecular mechanisms of disease, and the relation with metabolic diseases;

- Understand the role of biomedical research in the characterization of control/'normal' conditions versus the disease state.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Integration of metabolisms taught in Biochemistry-I

2. The metabolism of amino acids (continued) and purine and pyrimidine nucleotides

3. Pathological changes associated with proteins and amino acids

4. Pathological alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotides

5. Hormonal regulation and metabolic interrelationships

6. Metabolic characterization of different cells and tissues

7. Metabolic changes throughout life, namely in aging

8. Biochemical mechanisms involved in cell death and in cell proliferation.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 12.0%
Exam: 44.0%
Frequency: 44.0%

Bibliography

• Nelson DL, Cox MM (2021) “Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry”, 8th Ed, WH Freeman & Company, New York.

• Berg JM, Tymoczko JL, Gatto Jr GJ, Stryer L (2019) “Biochemistry”, 9th Ed, WH Freeman, New York.

• Devlin TM (2010) “Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations”, 7th Ed, John Wiley & Sons Inc, New York.

• Textos de apoio selecionados, protocolos (aulas práticas e teórico-práticas).