Biochemistry II

Objectives

The goal of this course is to demonstrate the complex metabolic integration of the living organisms. Thus, the main objectives are:

1. Understand lipid and amino acid structures and their functions in the organization of the human body in metabolic processes. It is intended that students acquire good knowledge of the structures and fundamental biochemical processes that help them to understand, for example, the pathology associated with certain dysfunctions and create a base of knowledge to a better understanding of the content Hematology , Immunology , Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology.

2. Understand the biochemical structure –function relationship.

3. Acquisition of experimental methodology necessary to the characterization and evaluation of biochemical functions performed by sub- cellular structures.

Program

Theoretical:

Lipids structure: simple lipids and complex lipids. Triacylglycerols, phosphoglycerides, sphingolipids, steroids, terpene lipids. Structure and function of the bio membranes. The lipids in the human body organization and metabolism. Oxidation and fatty acid synthesis. Glucose and fatty acids. Lipid synthesis. Metabolism of amino acids. Nitrogen fixation. Metabolic integration and organ specialization. Atherosclerosis , enzymatic deficiencies associated with lipid and aminoacid metabolism. Pulmonary surfactant and its importance for the newborn.

Laboratory program:

Isolation of mitochondria - identification, characterization and evaluation of some biochemical functions. Evaluation of enzyme activity , quantification and separation of proteins . Extraction, characterization and quantitative analysis of lipids.

Teaching Methodologies

Lectures are given by slide show. Several laboratory classes will be performed so that students can contact with the basic laboratory techniques and can apply and consolidate the theoretical concepts acquired.

Bibliography

Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L., Gatto, G.J., Stryer, L. (2015) Biochemistry, (8th ed.) Freeman/Macmillian ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-2610-9, ISBN: 1-4641-2610-0

Nelson, D.L. (2012) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (6th ed.) W.H. Freeman. ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-3414-6, ISBN: 1-4292-3414-8

Quintas, A., Halpern, M.J., Freire, A.P. (2008) Bioquímica - Organização Molecular da Vida. Lidel ISBN: 9789727574315