Biochemistry

Bioquímica

Course code:8059107

Alexandre Luís De Matos Botica Cortes Quintas

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

The objective of the Biochemistry course is to structure students' scientific thinking in accordance with the molecular structure and dynamic reality underlying biological systems. A special emphasis will be given to the relationship between macromolecule structure and function and to the constant flux of molecular interconversion, called metabolism. In addition, the fundamentals of metabolic conversion of xenobiotics, especially substances of abuse and environmental contaminants, will be addressed. In order to bring Biochemistry subjects closer to forensic reality, the classes start with forensic cases or aspects of forensic investigation linking it to the most classical foundations of Biochemistry. The empirical nature of biochemistry requires a strong laboratory component. In practical classes students develop laboratory manipulation skills associated to the items 3, 4 and 12 of the Laboratorial Component of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

• 3 – explain the range of analytical techniques that are available to the forensic scientist, understand the parameters involved in method selection and be able to provide an analytical strategy for a given scenario
• 4 – discuss possible techniques for laboratory analysis of commonly encountered substances;
• 12 – describe and demonstrate adherence to safe working procedures

Syllabus:

• Fundamentals of Biochemistry: The logic of life; Biomolecules; The water.
• Structure and Catalysis: Structure and function of nucleic acids, amino acids and peptides; structure/function of proteins; Hemoglobin and carbon monoxide intoxication. Enzymes, mechanisms enzymatic catalysis; enzymatic inhibition: toxins and poisons, structure / function of carbohydrates; Animal and vegetable fibers; Lipids and biological membranes; Lipids in fingerprints.
• Bioenergetics and Metabolism: Glycolysis and Hexoses catabolism; pentose phosphates pathway; The citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation;
• Metabolism and hormonal regulation: Glucose levels and impulsive/aggressive behavior; Lipid metabolism and steroid hormones metabolism; Relation between human behavior and testosterone;
• Metabolism of drugs and substance of abuse: Cytochrome P450. Phase I and phase II metabolism.
• Introduction to genomics: Transcription; Post-transcriptional regulation; Translation; Mutation and mechanisms of DNA repair. Molecular markers

Suggested Bibliography:

• Quintas A, Freire AP & Halpern MJ (2008) Bioquímica: Organização Molecular da Vida, LIDEL, Lisboa. ISBN: 9789727574315
• Nelson DL & Cox MM (2009) Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry, 5th ed., Worth N.Y. ISBN: 9781429234146
• Jackson ARW & Jackson JM (2007) Forensic Science, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall. ISBN: 978-0-13-199880-3