Metabolism

Year
3
Academic year
2019-2020
Code
01000993
Subject Area
Biology
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge previously acquired in basic disciplines like Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Mathematics and Cell Physiology.

Teaching Methods

Lectures presentation \ display \ discussion of program content. In theoretical-practical classes students discuss articles \ themes forefront in the area. From the laboratory standpoint, it is intended that students complete relevant experimental protocols for practical perception of crucial themes developed in the theoretical course.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to teach the set of biochemical transformations that convert nutrient molecules (carbohydrates, fats, proteins and amino acids) into energy and biochemical intermediaries constituents of cells. Furthermore, the metabolism is shown as a highly regulated and integrated process to obtain a maximum energy recovery. Specifically, skills are developed to assess metabolic activities, understand their interconnection, perform bioassays, recognizing different levels of organization in living things perform certain biological diagnostics, interpret and judge metabolic states, defining its causes and consequences, in order to enable proper decision for metabolic control.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The program involves a 1st section of Introduction to Metabolism, where the cycle of matter and the energy unidirectional flow in the biological world is presented. In the 2nd section are shown under the chemical and energy point of view, catabolic and anabolic pathways for major nutrient molecules (carbohydrates, fats, amino acids and proteins), referencing its cellular compartmentalization and its mechanisms of physiological regulation. In the 3rd section metabolic integration is analyzed, being evidenced metabolic blocks and their interconnection, their metabolic transactions costs, substrate cycles, metabolic specificity of various organs and their cooperation.

Head Lecturer(s)

Carlos Manuel Marques Palmeira

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Other: 25.0%
Frequency: 37.5%
Exam: 37.5%

Bibliography

- Champe, P.M., Harvey, R.A. and Ferrier, D.R. (2007) Biochemistry. 4rd edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.

 

- Nelson, D.L. and Cox, M. (2012) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 6th edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.

 

- Lieberman, M. and Marks, A.D. (2009) Basic Medical Biochemistry - a clinical approach. 3rd edition, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore.