Class Metabolism and Bioenergy

The CU of Metabolism and Bioenergetics introduces the concept of metabolism and the main metabolic pathways. In particular a large part of the classes will be dedicated to the description of aerobic metabolism and associated pathways. By the end of the CU, the students should possess a clear knowledge of biochemical processes sustaining living organisms.

1. Introduction to metabolism (Metabolism, anabolism, catabolism. Source of energy and redox reactions. Categories of metabolism. Metabolism and evolution.).

2. Aerobic metabolism (Digestion and absorption of glicids. Glycolysis. Fermentations associated to glycolysis. Glycogenogenesis and glycogenolysis. Gluconeogenesis. Krebs cycle. Pentose-phosphate cycle. Oxidative phosphorylation. Regulation.).

3. Photosynthesis (Light phase of photosynthesis (2 photosystems). ¿Dark phase¿.).

4. Lipid metabolism (Digestion, absorption and transport. Beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Biosynthesis of fatty acids. Cholesterol metabolism.).

5. Aminoacid metabolism (Protein digestion. Transamination and deamination of aminoacids. Urea cycle. Cetoacid catabolism. Biosynthesis of aminoacids.).

6.Transmembrane transport (Non mediated transport. Passive mediated transport. Active mediated transport using ATP. Active mediated transport using an ionic gradient.).

Laboratory and practical training is a very important component of the Cycle of Studies, essential to ensure the quality of student training. The practical skills and laboratory autonomy of graduate students are recognized by the other institutions where they continue their studies.

- Voet, D. & Voet, J.G. (2010). Biochemistry. 4^th Ed. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

- Stryer, L. (1995). Biochemistry. 4th Ed. Freeman and Company, New York.

- Weil, J.H. (2000). Bioquímica Geral. 2ª Ed. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisboa.