Metabolism of Biomolecules
Code: 101915 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences | FB | 1 |
Contact
- Name:
- Jose Ramon Bayascas Ramirez
- Email:
- joseramon.bayascas@uab.cat
Teachers
- Jose Miguel Lizcano De Vega
- Jordi Ortiz De Pablo
- Enrique Claro Izaguirre
- Victor Jose Yuste Mateos
- Jose Ramon Bayascas Ramirez
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
Although there are no official prerequisites, it is highly recommended to have passed the first-term subjects Structure and function of Biomolecules-101916 and Organic Chemistry-101893.
It is convenient to review the following subjects of the baccalaureate program:
- Chemical reactions of oxidation-reduction and nucleophilic substitutions
- Cell metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle and ATP synthesis
Objectives and Contextualisation
In the context of Basic Biochemistry, the Metabolism of Biomolecules subject focuses on knowledge of sources, forms of storage and use of energy and nutrients for human body cells. The catabolic and anabolic pathways of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleotides, and their hormonal regulation, are studied. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of metabolic regulation, differentiating states of good nutrition and fasting, and on the discussion of biochemical changes present in common metabolic pathologies such as diabetes.
The aim is for the student to achieve a global understanding of human metabolism that integrates their main mechanisms, functions and regulation. This understanding will be used as a basis to be able to deepen in specific subjects during the rest of the degree studies with the help of textbooks, in particular in subjects such as Molecular Biology of the Cell, Systems Physiology, Pharmacology, Clinical Biochemistry and Biological Bases of Pathology. Critical reading of the bibliography and tutored discussions should be used to describe molecular processes that cause pathologies using a correct biochemical terminology.
Learning Outcomes
- CM12 (Competence) Analyse how the study of biomolecular structure and function contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals.
- CM13 (Competence) Evaluate the contributions of women to the study of biomolecular structure, catalytic mechanisms and metabolism.
- KM16 (Knowledge) Define the structure, reactivity and function of biomolecules and their basic units, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in catalysis, enzymatic inhibition, signal transduction, substance transport and metabolism.
- KM17 (Knowledge) Define the principles of safety and quality in biomedical sciences, good laboratory practices, and bioethical standards related to this field.
- KM18 (Knowledge) Describe the experimental techniques used in the study of the structure, function and metabolism of biomolecules.
- SM15 (Skill) Interpret the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of enzymatic reactions, as well as those involved in the ligand binding to biomolecules.
- SM16 (Skill) Select the most appropriate experimental techniques for studying the structure, function and metabolism of biomolecules.
Content
Topic 1. Introduction to metabolism.
Bioenergetics. Molecular mechanisms of intercellular communication. Interaction between hormones and receptors. Main intracellular signaling pathways. Control of energy metabolism.
Topic 2. Common phase of oxidative metabolism.
Mitochondrial energy metabolism. Cycle of tricarboxylic acids. Electron transfers. ATP synthesis. Free radicals
Topic 3. Structure and metabolism of carbohydrates.
Characteristics, origin and function of carbohydrates. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Glycolysis. Gluconeogenesis. Glycogen metabolism. Pentose phosphate pathway. Common alterations in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism.
Topic 4. Structure and metabolism of lipids.
Energy reserve. Obtaining energy from fatty acids. Synthesis of fatty acids and triacylglycerides. Metabolism of lipids with structural function. Cholesterol metabolism. Transport of lipids in blood by lipoproteins. Common alterations in the regulation of lipid metabolism.
Topic 5. Metabolism of nitrogen compounds.
Metabolism of amino acids. Urea cycle. Metabolism of nucleotides. Derivatives of amino acids and nucleotides.
Topic 6. Integration and control of metabolism.
Metabolic particularities of some tissues. Interrelationships between tissues during the feed-fast cycle and in various nutritional or hormonal states. Physical exercise. Obesity. Diabetes
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Laboratory practices | 6.5 | 0.26 | |
| Lectures (theory classes) | 27 | 1.08 | |
| "Tutored Self-Study Seminars" on practical or clinical cases | 17 | 0.68 | |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Preparation of practical or clinical cases | 17 | 0.68 | |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Personal study | 70.5 | 2.82 |
The teaching methodology will consist of theory classes, of tutored self-study seminars where practical and clinical cases will be discussed, and of laboratory practices. The main teaching material for these activities will be provided through the UAB virtual campus.
The theoretical classes will be taught in the form of lectures to the entire group. The teachers will also comment on the material available for the other activities, including materials for self-learning.
When finishing each subject, the students will be tutored in smaller groups to discuss cases of practical or clinical application. This activity will be called "Tutored Self-Study Seminars" as students will have a script with questions that will have to be solved, prior to the class or in the same class, where they will discuss them with their peers with the tutor acting as moderator. Considered as SEM, these seminars entailla the problem based learning (PBL).
The laboratory practices will consist of a script and a list of questions that students will have to solve during the practice. In order to be able to attend the practical sessions, the student must justify having passed the biosafety and security tests that he will find in the Virtual Campus and be familiar with and accept the rules of operation of the Faculty's laboratories.
Taken the typology of teaching and evaluation activities, in this subject it is permitted the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies as a part of the study, as far as the contribution of the student to the analysis and final reflexion would be significant. Moreover, the student must clearly identify which parts have been generated with this technology, which tolls have been employed, and discuss on the influence in the result of the activity.
Additionally students will be able to have specific tutor sessions.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continous assessment | 47,5% total grade | 3 | 0.12 | CM12, CM13, KM16, KM17, KM18, SM15, SM16 |
| Laboratory practices | 2,5% total grade | 2 | 0.08 | CM12, CM13, KM16, KM17, KM18, SM15, SM16 |
| Overall exam | 45% total grade | 3 | 0.12 | CM12, CM13, KM16, KM17, KM18, SM15, SM16 |
| Seminars | 5% total grade | 4 | 0.16 | CM12, CM13, KM16, KM17, KM18, SM15, SM16 |
There will be two partial test. First test will have a value of 47,5% of the total grade. It will include topics 1, 2 and 3, as well as first laboratory demonstration. Second test will have a value of 45% of the total grade. It will include topics 4, 5 and 6, as well as second laboratory demonstration.
Attendance to tutored self-study seminars is highly recommended. During the practical sessions, students will be assessed whether they work in groups (T01), respect for norms (G03), develop critical thinking in the scientific method, (G01), understand the mechanisms of regulation and integration of metabolic activity (E01.46) and its physiological and clinical consequences (E02.14). The evaluation of competences during the practical sessions will have a value of 5% of the total grade. Additionally, the content of the practices related to the theoretical subject will be evaluated in the continuous, global and final evaluation exercises.
Attendance to laboratory practices is mandatory. During the practical sessions, students will be assessed whether they work in groups (T01), respect for norms (G03), critical thinking (G01) and self-learn (G02). The evaluation of competences during the practical sessions will have a value of 2,5% of the total grade. Additionally, the content of the practices related to the theoretical subject will be evaluated in the continuous, global and final evaluation exercises.
Final mark will consist of 47.5% partial 1, 45% partial 2, 5% seminars and 2,5% laboratory work.
Final Test will consist of a global exam containing all the topics covered. Final test will have a value of 92,5%, that will be complemented with 5% seminar marks plus 2,5% laboratory marks.
To pass the topic, final marks must be equal or superior to 5 over ten. Also, it will be essential to obtain at least 4 out of 10 points in the partial exams.
There will be global exam for those students who failed previous test. The grade obtained in this exam will be 100% of total grade. This exam will include all the contents of subject and will be in written form, although the teachers can complete the assessment with oral questions.
The students will obtain the "Non-Assessed" qualification when the evaluation activities carried out have a weigh of less than 67% of the total grade.
The assessments will be done mainly by means of written exams with a limited space to answer and multi-answer tests, as well as expositive activities to assess the active participation in the activities of the subject.
This subject does not provide for the single assessment system
Bibliography
LEHNINGER. PRINCIPIOS DE BIOQUÍMICA. Nelson D.L., Cox M.M. Ed. Omega, 7ª ed. 2018
BIOQUÍMICA. LIBRO DE TEXTO CON APLICACIONES CLINICAS. Devlin T.M. Vols I i II. Ed. Reverté, 4ª ed. 2004
BIOQUIMICA. Stryer L., Berg J.M., Tymoczko J.L. Ed. Reverté, 6ª ed. 2007 (versió en català)
BIOQUÍMICA. CURSO BÁSICO Stryer L., Berg J.M., Tymoczko J.L. Ed. Reverté 2014
BIOQUÍMICA MÉDICA. Baynes J.W., Dominiczak M.H. Elsevier, 4ª ed. 2014
BIOQUÍMICA. Mathews C.K., Van Holde K.E., 4ª ed. 2013 http://cataleg.uab.cat/record=b1965041~S1*cat
FUNDAMENTOS DE BIOQUÍMICA. Voet D., Voet J.G., Pratt C.W. Ed. Panamericana, 4ª ed. 2016
BIOQUÍMICA. TEXTO Y ATLAS. Koolman J., Röhm K.H. Ed. Médica Panamericana, 4ª ed. 2012
LIPINCOTT’S ILLUSTRATED REVIEW: BIOQUÍMICA. Ferrier D.R., Ed. Wolters Kluwer, 7ª ed. 2017
BIOQUÍMICA, biología molecular y genética. Lieberman M.A., Ricer R., Ed. Wolters Kluwer, 6ª ed. 2014
NETTER'S ESSENTIAL BIOCHEMISTRY, Ronner P., Ed. Elsevier, 1st Edition 2018
Software
No specific software will be used
Groups and Languages
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 511 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 512 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 513 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (SEM) Seminars | 511 | Catalan | second semester | afternoon |
| (SEM) Seminars | 512 | Spanish | second semester | afternoon |
| (SEM) Seminars | 513 | English | second semester | afternoon |
| (TE) Theory | 51 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | afternoon |