Molecular Structure of the Cell

Code:

MI110

Acronym:

EMC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Medicine

Instance: 2013/2014 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Biochemistry Department
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master in Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMED	256	Mestrado Integrado em Medicina- Plano oficial 2013 (Reforma Curricular)	1	-	6	53	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To contribute to the understanding of the biology of the human being from the molecular bases of medicine and the way in which structure leads to function.

It is intended that the student who starts medical school has an adequate integration in the structural knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology easing the later understanding of the structures and the functioning of cells and of the general metabolic functions of the body.

Attention is given to the recognition of the denomination and the biological role of the chemical constituents of living beings with particular emphasis to those who are part of the constitution of the human being (namely: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, glycoproteins and glycation of proteins, amino acids, inorganic compounds and water).

To this end, we use as examples situations of illness, or common therapies. Similarly, we give attention to the fact that it is from these same molecules that are developed the biomarkers that will serve as a starting point for better diagnostic tests and, also, to the understanding of many of the pathological conditions that students will find more ahead at the clinical practice.

Learning outcomes and competences

Competences: To understand the specific vocabulary of Biochemistry. To have the capacity to use biochemistry knowledge to critically analyze information and practice of other areas of Medicine. To have the capacity to collect information about a theme in the area of biochemistry and present it clearly and in its appropriate context. To have basic biochemistry laboratory competences. To understand the role of scientific investigation in the analysis and eventual resolution of medical problems.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1- In theoretical lessons will be taught some structural issues in the areas of Biochemistry and cell biology. We had present the introductory nature of the UC in the way subjects were chosen and aligned. Will be relevant, the denomination and biological role of chemical constituents of living beings with special attention to those who are part of the constitution of human beings or that interact with him (as the nutrients), namely: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, glycoproteins and glycation of proteins, amino acids, inorganic compounds and water. The main concepts and methodologies for the study of the cell will be addressed. The function, specificity and nomenclature of enzymes and basic enzimic kinetics, as well as the factors and general mechanisms that modify the activity of the enzymes, will also be addressed, as well as acid-base reactions, water relations, lipids and the meaning of phase systems. The importance of uncertainty and error in Biochemistry and medicine will also be addressed.

2- Small group classes will be especially focused on how our body gets and uses some of the structural forms essential to numerous functions: Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Structure of the carbohydrates that are more abundant in the diet. Digestion of starch, glycogen and disaccharides. Absorption and transport of carbohydrates in the membranes of the enterocytes. Digestion and absorption of proteins. The digestive zimogens and its activation. The exo and endo peptidases. Digestion and absorption of lipids. Relationship between the structure of lipids, their solubility and its digestion. Role of bile salts in the digestion of lipids. The enzymes involved in the digestion of lipids.

3-In practical classes students will have the opportunity to contact with laboratory techniques that are more relevant in these areas and whose knowledge will be useful in other UCs. Within these classes will be developed a small research project where students will study the effect of nutrient intake on blood glucose and that will lead to the elaboration, by small groups of students, of a report. This report will be evaluated by the tracher and count towards the final classification.

4- There will also be an online interactive exercise on the structure of organic compounds called LOL ("online lesson"). This exercise will also be valued in the final classification.

Mandatory literature

Alberts, Johnson, Walter, Lewis, Raff and Roberts; Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland Publishing, Inc, 2008
Baynes JW, Dominiczak MH; Medical Biochemistry, Elsevier Mosby, 2009
Berg J.M., Tymoczko J.L. and Stryer L; Biochemistry, W.H. Freeman and Company, 2012
Lodish, Berk,Kaiser,Krieger, Bretscher, Ploegh, Amon, Scott ; Molecular Cell Biology, W.H. Freeman and Company, 2012
Murray R.K., Granner D.K., Mayes P.A. and Rodwell V.W.; Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry, McGraw-Hill Medical, 2012

Complementary Bibliography

Frayn K.N; Regulação Metabólica, U.Porto Editorial, 2012
Hipólito-Reis C., Alçada MN., Azevedo I; Práticas de Bioquímica para as Ciências da Saúde, Lidel, 2002
Nelson D.L., Cox M.M.; Principles of Biochemistry, W.H. Freeman and Company, 2008

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoratical lessons, small group classes, practical classes ans online exercise.

keywords

Physical sciences > Chemistry > Organic chemistry
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Cell biology
Physical sciences > Chemistry > Biochemistry
Physical sciences > Chemistry > Biochemistry > Enzimology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	75,00
Participação presencial	10,00
Teste	10,00
Trabalho escrito	5,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

To be evaluated in the exam the student have to be present in, at least, 3/4 of the sum of the small group and practical lessons that have been teached.

Calculation formula of final grade

FM = [(E x 0,75) + (IT x 0,10) + (LOL x 0,05)] + (PGC x 0,10)