Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho n.º 15239/2016 - 19/12/2016
5 ECTS; 2º Ano, 1º Semestre, 30,0 T + 30,0 PL , Cód. 814213.
Lecturer
- Dina Maria Ribeiro Mateus (1)(2)
(1) Docente Responsável
(2) Docente que lecciona
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Objectives
An overview of the structure, properties and metabolism of the biological molecules and its functions in living cells. The metabolism of these molecules: carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Nucleic acids and informational nature of genetic processes.
Program
Theoretical contents
1 - Biomolecules
1.1 Carbohydrates - definition and classification of carbohydrates . Structure and properties of oses and its derivatives. The glycosidic bond. Holosides and glycosides.
1.2 Lipids - definition, classification and components. Glycerides and phospholipids. Terpenes and steroids. Lipids and biological membranes.
1.3 Proteins - amino acids, classification and properties. Protein binding. Structure, purification and characterization of proteins. Nucleic acid and nucleoproteins.
2 - Introduction to Metabolism
2.1 Enzymes - protein structure and classes.
2.2 Prosthetic groups, cofactors, vitamins and coenzymes.
2.3 Thermodynamics of biological systems. Simplified scheme of cellular metabolism.
2.4 Bioenergetics and the ATP cycle.
3 - Metabolism of biomolecules
3.1 Carbohydrate metabolism. Glycolysis. Fermentations. Pyruvate dehydrogenase system. Krebs and glyoxylate cycles. Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Photosynthesis.
3.2 Lipid and protein metabolism.
3.3 Metabolisms integration.
Laboratorial practice
Theme I - Chemical and biochemical characterization of a water
TP1. Solids
TP2. Dissolved Oxygen
TP3. Chemical Oxygen Demand
TP4. Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Theme II - Characterization of biomolecules
TP5. Purification and characterization of triacylglycerols in natural oils
TP6. Structural analysis of a peptide
TP7. Ascorbic acid assay in biological samples
TP8. DNA extraction from fruit or animal tissue
TP9. Coenzymes spectrophotometric assay.
Evaluation Methodology
Final written exam (60%) and laboratory work reports (40%). This methodology is applied in continuous assessment and examination.
Bibliography
- Halpern, M. e Freire, A. e Quintas, A. (2008). Bioquímica - Organização Molecular da Vida. Lisboa: Lidel, Edições Técnicas
- Nelson, D. e Cox, M. (2008). Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. New York: W.H. Freeman & Co
- Voet, J. e Voet, D. (2011). Biochemistry. New York: John Wiley & Sons
Teaching Method
Lectures of biomolecules'structure, function and metabolic processes. Laboratory classes depicting extraction, purification and characterization of molecules provided by natural products.
Software used in class
Not applicable.
