Biochemistry I

Code	10248
Year	2
Semester	S1
ECTS Credits	6
Workload	PL(30H)/T(30H)
Scientific area	Biochemistry
Mode of delivery	Face to face lectures.
Work placements	Not applicable
Learning outcomes	This Course aims to provide students with a set of knowledge in the area of basic biochemistry that enable them to understand the molecular logic of life. At the end of this course the student should be able to: -Identify the general principles and terminology of Biochemistry; -Recognize and describe the structure and properties of biomolecules; -Explain the relation between the structure and properties of biomolecules and their biological function; -Identify and describe the basic principles of enzymology and enzyme mechanisms; -Apply the acquired knowledge to interpret and to solve problems in the field of Biochemistry; -Perform experimental techniques in the field of Biochemistry and analyze and interpret the results accurately and critically
Syllabus	1 INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY. Origin of biomolecules. The water molecule (properties and buffer solutions). 2 PROTEINS. Structure and properties of amino acids. Stereochemistry and acid-base properties. Hierarchy and structural classification of proteins. Structure and function of proteins. Allosteric proteins: hemoglobin. Purification and characterization of proteins. Properties of enzymes. 3-CARBOHYDRATES. Structure and general properties. Stereoisomerism, mutarotation and anomeric forms. 4. LIPIDS. Classification, structure and properties. 5. NUCLEIC ACIDS. Structure, properties and function. Plasmids. 6. VITAMINS AND COENZYMES. General features of water-soluble and fat soluble vitamins. Structure and biological role of vitamins. Coenzymes. 7.EXPERIMENTAL Preparation and testing of buffer solutions. Potentiometric titration of amino acids. Determination of protein concentration by Bradford method. Study of the kinetics of sucrose hydrolysis by the enzyme invertase.
Main Bibliography	1. Required reading D.L. Nelson e M.M. Cox (2008) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 5 ed., Worth Publishers. - J.M. Berg, J.L. Tymoczko, L. Stryer (2006) Biochemistry. 6th ed., New York: Freeman -A.Quintas, A.P Freire, M.J. Halpern, (2008) Bioquímica - Organização Molecular da Vida, Ed. Lidel 2. Recommended reading -D. Voet, J.G. Voet (2004). Biochemistry. 3st ed.,New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
Language	Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.