Biochemistry II

Objectives

Biochemistry II main objective is to understand the integrated nature of cellular signaling and metabolic
pathways with impact in the function and homeostasis of cells, tissues and the whole human body, and how a
change in a selective biochemical process is directly related to an alteration in the structure of a molecule or in
the metabolic pathway in which that molecule is involved.
At the end of this curicular unit students should be able to:
- Understand the signaling and metabolic specificity of main tissues and organs and how they interplay;
- Explain the biochemical mechanisms involved in cell and organism homeostasis;
- Understand the mechanisms that govern changes in metabolism along life;

- Describe the molecular mechan isms of disease, including metabolic diseases;
- Understand the role of Biomedical research in tackling the normal versus diseased condition

Program

1. Hormonal regulation and metabolic inter-relashionships.
2. Metabolic characterization of different cells and tissues.
3. Metabolic changes along life:
4. Biochemical mechanisms of cell death and proliferation.
5. Pathological alterations associated to proteins and aminoacids
6. Pathologiacl alterations of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotids metabolism.

Teaching Methodologies

The theoretical teaching promotes the understandig and the integration of knowledge and its application in the
answer to questions raised in the medical practice.

The theoretical-practical classes are planned with the aim of developing learning by means of the method of
problem analysis. They are aimed at small groups of students. According to this methodology students will be encouraged to interpret a clinical problem based on biochemical knowledge that was previously acquired in the theoretical classes.
Teachers work to encourage and guide the discussion in oriented seminar
Assessment:
Exam:50%
Midterm exam:25%
Test:
Project:
Seminar or study visit report:
Problem solving report:
Research work:
Synthesis work:
Fieldwork or laboratory work:25%
Other:

Bibliography

Berg, J. M. Tymozko, J. L.; Stryer, L. (2012) –Biochemistry. 7ª Ed. W. H. Freeman & Company.
Murray, R. K., Granner, D. K., Mayes, [et.al.] (2006)- Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry 27ª Ed., McGraw-Hill.
Nelson, D.L. & Cox, M. M.- Lehninger (2009) Principles of Biochemistry. 5ª Ed., W. H. Freeman & Company.
Quintas, A, Freire, A.P., Halpern, M.J. (2010) Bioquímica - Organização Molecular da Vida, Lidel, Lisboa
Koolman, J. & Roehm, K. H. (2005) Color Atlas of Biochemistry, 2nd Edition, 2005, Thieme