Biochemistry & Physiology

Construction, classification and nomenclature of organic compounds. Types of chemical bonds and non-covalent bonds. Isomerism: syntactical isomerism, stereoisomerism (optical isomerism, diastereoisomerism). Aromatic compounds. Introduction to Biochemistry (acid- base concepts, buffers). Protein structure and function (amino acids, peptides, proteins). Enzymes (structure, mechanisms of action, control of enzymatic activities, inhibitors, coenzymes). Structure and function of Nucleic Acids (DNA, RNA). Structure and function of Carbohydrates (monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides). Structure and function of lipids (fatty acids, triacyloglycerols, phospholipids, glycolipids, lipoproteins, steroids). Introduction to biological membranes (structure, receptors). Metabolism of biomolecules (basic concepts and design, ATP). Metabolism of carbohydrates (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway, gluconeogenesis). Fatty acid metabolism (β- oxidation, ketone bodies, biosynthesis of cholesterol). Protein metabolism (decarboxylation, transamination, urea cycle). Hormones (structure, action mechanisms, function).

The objectives of the course are to familiarize students with:

• Basic biochemical concepts
• The structure, function and chemical properties of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids)
• Enzyme kinetics
• Coupled reactions and enzyme-catalyzed reactions of the human body that lead to the essential for survival production of biomolecules, energy and membrane potential
• The regulation of key metabolic pathways, and how these reflect the energy balance necessary to keep the state of health in man.

• ΒΙΟΧΗΜΕΙΑ, BERG J.M., TYMOCZKO J.L., STRYER LUBERT, ΙΔΡΥΜΑ ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ & ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ-ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΑΚΕΣ ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ, 1η/2017, ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ, 68370528
• Βιοχημεία, P. KARLSON, “K. & Ν. ΛΙΤΣΑΣ Ο.Ε.”, 14η έκδ./1998, ΑΘΗΝΑ, 25250

 Written examinations at the end of the semester.

Lectures in the classroom using multimedia tools (ppt presentations, video, live-stream lectures) Consolidation exercises during the lectures Material in e-class (lectures power-point, suggested exercises) Additional recommended readings