Biochemistry

Year
1
Academic year
2018-2019
Code
01004706
Subject Area
Biomedical Sciences
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
4.5
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

N.A.

Teaching Methods

The methodology will be continuously adapted to the existing physical structures. Teaching will have a theoric component where students will acquired the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to concrete problems either through questions raised by the teacher or the students. In the other course component, the so-called theoric-pratic lectures, the lower number of students per class will offer conditions to implement strategies of continuous questions solving posed by competing groups of students.

Learning Outcomes

The acquisition of knowledge on the relation between biomolecules chemical properties and stereochemical features and their function is the major goal of this curricular unit. At the end of this course students must know to correlate structure and biologic function, applying concepts learn throughout the course, including enzyme mechanisms and kinetics in problem solving. Students will also acquire the skills to learn autonomously either by searching on the web and/or through specialized literature.
As the structure-function relationship is fundamental this course teaching-learning strategy will provide students with the background knowledge fundamental to many other subjects, as well as the critical skills to understand what is scientifically published about biomolecules behavior and, ultimately, about cells' behaviour.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Chemical constitution of major bimolecules. Chemical groups reactivity in biomolecules formation. Conformation, configuration: role in structure and function of biomolecules. Biomolecules interactions: concepts of stereoselectivity and stereoselectivity
2. Biomolecules
2.1Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides and polysaccharides. Structural and conformational major features: role
in chemical and biologic properties. Glycoproteins and glycolipids: structure and function
2.2 Nucleic acids. Monomeric units and polimers structure and chemical properties
2.3 Lipids. Chemical structures and functions
2.4 Aminoacids: chemical structures and properties. Peptide bond conformation and configuration.
Ramachandran grafics. Proteins: structural organization levels. Simple and conjugated proteins.
3. Enzymes: catalysis types. Several mechanisms of catalysis and catalysis kinetics. Allosteric proteins
4. Introduction to carbohydrates and lipids matabolism.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Carmen Martins de Carvalho Alpoim

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Even though there is no recommended bibliography, because major scientific literature on the syllabus is available free online, students may consult the following major biochemistry books

1. D. L. Nelson & M. M. Cox (2010) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 6th ed., W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, USA

2. J. M . Berg, J. L. Tymoczko & L. Stryer (2007) Biochemistry, 6th ed., W. H.Freeman and Company, New York, USA

3. R.H. Garrett & C.M. Grisham (2000) Biochemistry, 2nd ed., Saunders College, Publishing, Orlando, USA