2024
Biochemistry I
Name: Biochemistry I
Code: QUI15193I
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Learning Goals
The aim of this course is to provide students with solid knowledge about the molecular bases of life, aiming to standardize the basic training required for subsequent courses in the study plan. 1. It is intended that students acquire and consolidate knowledge about: 1.1) the role of water as a support medium; 1.2) the structure/reactivity relationship of biomolecules, in enzyme catalysis, transmembrane transport, immune defense, hormonal action and support of genetic information; 1.3) methodologies to characterize and quantify biomolecules with veterinary interest. 2.The student is skilled to: 2.1) identify and quantify biomolecules; 2.2) design and carry out team experiments that analyze biomolecules with interest in clinical diagnosis, therapy and quality control of products; 2.3) interpret labels and analytical results on biomolecules, using information technologies, useful in veterinary decision making.
Contents
1. Scope of Biochemistry. 2. Water as a means of supporting life. Biological buffer systems. Preparation of buffer solutions. Osmosis and dialysis. 3. Structure, reactivity of carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. 4. Enzymes, structural and functional characterization. Inhibition/activation mechanisms. Allostery and cooperativity. Determination of enzyme activity. Coenzymes and vitamins. 5. Nucleic acid, DNA replication, mutation, and repair. Restriction and modification systems. Specific location and identification of genes. Polymorphism detection. DNA cloning, vectors. Libraries. RNA transcription, processing, and maturation. Reverse transcription. Regulation of gene expression. Constitutive and inducible genes. Analysis of gene expression (RT-PCR/microarray). Genetic engineering in animals. Gene therapy. Translation, protein folding. Oncogenes. Tumor suppressor genes. 6.Structure and properties of the biological membranes.
Teaching Methods
1.Lectures are plenary lessons structured in the scientific method, where the subjects exposure and bibliographic-assisted search by the teacher, are articulated in order to generate skills to understand life at the molecular level, water as a fundamental matrix of life, the flow of genetic information from DNA to a functional protein, as well as the structure and reactivity of biomolecules.
2. Practical laboratory classes take place intensively in small groups of students who carry out, with the support of the teacher, practical work based on previously provided protocols, with the students being stimulated and oriented towards the preparation of the respective reports.
Assessment methods: theoretical component - 2 tests or exam (50% final grade);
practical component - continuous laboratory evaluation and reports (25% final grade)
- oral presentation of results (25% final grade).
2. Practical laboratory classes take place intensively in small groups of students who carry out, with the support of the teacher, practical work based on previously provided protocols, with the students being stimulated and oriented towards the preparation of the respective reports.
Assessment methods: theoretical component - 2 tests or exam (50% final grade);
practical component - continuous laboratory evaluation and reports (25% final grade)
- oral presentation of results (25% final grade).
Teaching Staff
Certificações
