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Presentation
Presentation
Physical biochemistry is a course that applies the mathematics and physical principles of chemistry to important problems in biochemistry, biology, and medicine. It deals with the theory, techniques, and methodology used to study the physical chemistry of biomolecules. It also deals with mathematical
approaches to the analysis of biochemical reactions and modeling of biological systems. It provides insight into the structure of macromolecules and how the chemical structure influences the physical properties of a biological substance. Topics include separation and characterization of macromolecules
(chromatography, electrophoresis, sedimentation equilibrium), macromolecule identification methods (mass spectrometry), methods of structural determination of macromolecules (circular dichroism, X-ray diffraction, NMR) and macromolecule stability methods (calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy).
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 4.5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT2532-16915
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
1. Level of structure in proteins. Revision. (primary, secondary, terciary and quaternary structure).
2. Protein Separation. 2.1 Basic principles of chromatography. 2.2 Chromatographic techniques. 2.3 Cell f'raccionation. 2.4 Monitoring.
3. Molecular Mass determination. 3.2 Mass Spectrometry. 3.3 Sedimentation.
4. Methods used in the determination of secondary, tertiary and qua quartenary structure of proteins (Circular dichroism, NMR, X-ray)
5. Protein stability. 5.1 Calorimetry. 5.2 Fluorescence.
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Objectives
Objectives
The CU of Biophysical Chemistry aims at transfer knowledge in the techniques more used in the characterization of proteins. More specifically, techniques that are used in protein purification, sedimentation, mass spectrometry, titration and scanning calorimetry, principals of protein folding, and techniques that can be used to obtain information on the structure-function of proteins. At the end of the CU, the students should master the principles of these techniques, such that the student should be able to develop an efficient procedure to separate the protein of interest from a complex mixture, and identify the experimental techniques that can be used in its basic biochemical characterization, and to obtain information about its stability and structure-function relationship.
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Teaching methodologies and assessment
Teaching methodologies and assessment
The UC programmatic contents are taught through powerpoint presentations with illustrative images to capture and motivate students, and for a better understanding and organization of learning materials. It also includes practical exercises for applying theoretical concepts and study visits to research centers so that students can visualize the instruments and understand their applications in different scientific areas.
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References
References
- Sun, S.F. Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules: Basic Principles and Issues. John Wiley & Sons. 2004, 2th edition
- Kensal Edward Van Holde, Curtis Johnson, W. Curtis Johnson, Pui Shing Ho. Principles of Physical Biochemistry. Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2006
- James P. Allen. Biophysical chemistry. John Wiley & Sons. 2009, 1st edition
- David Sheehan. Physical Biochemistry: Principles and Applications. John Wiley & Sons. 2009, 2nd Edition
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Office Hours
Office Hours
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Mobility
Mobility
Yes
