Biological Chemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

Mathematics I and 2; General Chemistry I and II; General Physics I and II; Physical Chemistry (Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics); Organic Chemistry I.

Teaching Methods

Face-to-face theoretical lectures and problem-solving sessions. Evaluation of skills acquired is done by a final written exam.

Learning Outcomes

Understand and use chemistry concepts from other disciplines in the context of Biological Chemistry

Capacity to analyse information

Aplication of the know-how obtained on the resolution of problems in new situations

Ability to do experimental work in the laboratory and to interpret the data

Suport and argue oraly, and in writing, regarding decisions taken

Understand and know how to use sources of information namely bibliography search and use

Ability to express the knowhow gained, namely to non-specialists

Development of self learning competence. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Water: Physico-chemical properties and as a solvent

2. Saccharides: Structure and nomenclature, Stereochemistry, reactivity and properties as polymers

3. Proteins: Amino acids and their chemical properties; primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins. Interaction with other molecules; cooperativity and allosterism

4. Lipids and Biological Membranes: Chemical structure and physico-chemical properties of lipids. Aggregation in water, polymorphism. The "Fluid Mosaic" model for biological membranes, permeation and transport

5. Nucleic Acids: Chemical constitution and structure. Physical properties: electrostatics; and rheology. Interactions with other molecules. The genetic code. General principles of replication, transcription and translation

6. Biological Catalysis: Overview of the general principles of chemical catalysis. Proteins as catalysts (enzymes) and the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis. Enzyme kinetics, the Michaelis e Menten equation, inhibition.

Head Lecturer(s)

Rui Manuel Pontes Meireles Ferreira de Brito

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Livros de texto recomendados para o ano lectivo 2013/2014:

 

Donald Voet, and Judith G. Voet: BIOCHEMISTRY, John Wiley & Sons,4^th Edition, 2011; ISBN-10: 0470570954

 

Jeremy Berg, John L. Tymoczko, and Lubert Stryer: BIOCHEMISTRY, W.H. Freeman & Company, 7^th Edition, 2011, ISBN-10: 1429276355