This course focuses on the structural features and function of the four major classes of biomolecules with particular emphasis on relationship between protein structure and function. Coverage of the fundamentals of information flow in biological systems, enzyme kinetics and catalytic mechanisms. A variety of advanced topics will be discussed including: metabolic pathways and strategies for the integration of pathways and the regulation of metabolism; membrane transport mechanisms; mechanisms of catalysis. Topics include the molecular structure and mechanisms of receptor and enzyme active site; of signal transduction and hormonal control on cellular metabolism, altered in many pathologies.
Furthermore, the course aimed to give basic knowledge on structure and function of genoma and to deepen the knowledge on molecular mechanisms of informational molecules with a focus on DNA reparation, ricombinantion and gene expression and regulation, giving particular attention to pathological aspects