Universidad de Jaén

PROGRAM OF THEORY

1: Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

2: Amino acids. The peptide bond. Protein structures.

3: Structure-function relationships of proteins.

4: Proteomic.

5: Enzymes: Classification. Catalytic mechanisms. Coenzymes. Kinetic parameters. Inhibitors of enzymes. Allosterism in enzymes. Isoenzymes. Zymogens.

6: Nucleotides. Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA. Structure of nucleic acids.

7: DNA replication. Mutations. Repair mechanisms.

8: Transcription: biological synthesis of RNA

9: Translation: biological synthesis of proteins.

10: Technical handling of nucleic acids. Purification. Hybridization. The polymerase chain reaction. Recombinant DNA technology. Genomics.

11: Thermodynamics of biochemical processes. Gibbs free energy. Energy of biological redox reactions.

12: Metabolism: Metabolic pathways. Catabolism and anabolism. General mechanisms of metabolic regulation.

13: The Krebs cycle. Anaplerotic reactions. Ketones.

14: Oxidative phosphorylation. Photophosphorylation.

15: Carbohydrates.

16: Metabolism of carbohydrates: Glycolysis. Fermentations. Glycogen synthesis and degradation. Gluconeogenesis. Pentose phosphate pathway. The Calvin-Beson cycle.

17: Lipids.

18: Lipid Metabolism: Degradation and synthesis of fatty acid. Synthesis of triacylglycerols and glycerophospholipids. Cholesterol synthesis. Lipid mobilization in human. Lipoproteins.

19: Metabolism of nitrogenous compounds: Degradation of proteins and amino acids. Deamination and transamination. The urea cycle. Nucleotide synthesis and degradation.

20: Metabolic profile of the main human organs and hormonal regulation.

PROGRAM OF LABORATORY

Session 1: Purification of a protein by affinity chromatography.

Session 2: Protein electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)

Session 3: Western-blot

Session 4: Kinetic characterization of an enzyme activity.

Session 5: Analysis of glycogen.

Session 6: Analysis of triacylglycerols and cholesterol in blood samples. Analysis of lipid peroxidation derivatives in foods.

Session 7: Polymerase chain reaction and DNA electrophoresis in agarose gel.

  Theoretical academic sessions (large group) in which the proposed theory program will be developed.

Laboratory sessions (small group) where students carry out different techniques and experimental methods in the laboratory  The results must be analyzed, discussed and presented in a workbook.

Problem-based learning sessions in which students must solve problems by applying the knowledge acquired, presentation and discussion on topics of interest, knowledge test, and etcetera.

Tutorization sessions (individual and collective) in which the student may refer all questions or concerns regarding the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

The theoretical knowledge is assessed on the basis of the written reply examination questions. It is necessary to obtain a rating of at least 5 out of 10 in the theoretical examination to be computed the qualifications of the other activities.

Attendance at all sessions is mandatory practices, unless the absence is duly justified. The practices will be assessed based on the results delivered in a lab notebook and attitude in the laboratory (50%) plus a test of skill in the laboratory (50%).

Problem-based learning will be evaluated based on results of the tasks proposed in each session.