Course Overview: Bioquímica de la Célula (BIOL 4545)

Course Description

This course provides a holistic view of the fundamental concepts related to the molecules and interactions required to maintain the cell in a stable and dynamic equilibrium. Through the critical analysis of established concepts and recent studies focused on proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, students will become familiar with the relationship between the structure and function of macromolecules, the dynamic networks formed by their interactions, the flow of information through these networks, and the energy transformations that ensure cellular homeostasis. The course also introduces the general properties of cellular organization, metabolic regulation at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels, and experimental techniques used for the study and analysis of biological macromolecules.

General Course Objectives

• Understand the principles of molecular processes and interaction networks that regulate organismal metabolism, including energy transformations such as glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the citric acid cycle, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation.

• Apply the fundamentals of enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and regulation to biochemical reactions.

• Demonstrate knowledge of nomenclature, chemical and physical composition, structures, and main functions of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

• Understand the intra- and intermolecular forces that determine the shape and function of macromolecules.

• Comprehend general concepts and organizational patterns of cellular membranes.

• Evaluate methods for isolation, purification, and synthesis used in the study of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Course Structure and Main Topics

Section A: Biological Molecules – Structure, Function, and Characterization

• Introduction to Biochemistry and Water (Ch. 1-2):

  • Basic chemical principles, properties of water, pH, and buffers.

• Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins (Ch. 3-4):

  • Structure and classification of amino acids, peptide bonds, primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary protein structures.

  • Protein folding and stability.

• Protein Techniques (Ch. 5):

  • Methods for working with proteins: isolation, purification, and analysis.

• Protein Function (Ch. 5):

  • Enzyme catalysis, binding, and regulatory mechanisms.

• Enzymology (Ch. 6):

  • Enzyme kinetics, mechanisms, and regulation.

• Carbohydrates (Ch. 7):

  • Structure, classification, and function of carbohydrates.

• Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids (Ch. 8):

  • DNA, RNA, and their roles in information storage and transfer.

• Lipids (Ch. 10):

  • Structure, classification, and biological roles of lipids.

• Membranes (Ch. 11):

  • Membrane structure, properties, and transport mechanisms.

Section B: Bioenergetics and Metabolism

• Bioenergetics and Biochemical Reactions (Ch. 13):

  • Principles of energy transformations in biological systems.

• Carbohydrate Metabolism (Ch. 14):

  • Glycolysis, fermentation, gluconeogenesis.

• Citric Acid Cycle (Ch. 16):

  • Central metabolic pathway for energy production.

• Fatty Acid Catabolism (Ch. 17):

  • Breakdown of fatty acids for energy.

• ATP Synthesis: Oxidative Phosphorylation (Ch. 19):

  • Electron transport chain and ATP generation.

• Amino Acid Catabolism and Urea Cycle (Ch. 18):

  • Degradation of amino acids and nitrogen disposal.

• Metabolic Regulation and Integration (Ch. 15/23):

  • Control and coordination of metabolic pathways.

Assessment and Grading

• Short quizzes, assignments, activities, participation, and punctuality: 15%

• Partial exams (5): 85%

• Grading scale: A (100–90%), B (89–80%), C (79–70%), D (69–60%), F (59–0%)

Instructional Strategies and Resources

• Lectures (in-person and/or remote), group discussions, interactive assignments, independent study, assigned readings, presentations, exams, and quizzes.

• Required resources: Computer or smartphone, robust internet connection, institutional email, textbook, Moodle platform, and Achieve (Macmillan Learning).

• All communications will be via institutional email.

Academic Integrity and Policies

• Strict adherence to the university's code of conduct and academic honesty is required.

• Any form of academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized use of AI, etc.) will result in failure and disciplinary action.

• Attendance is mandatory; excessive unexcused absences may affect the final grade.

• Exams are in-person only; alternative assessments may be used in exceptional circumstances.

Accessibility, Inclusion, and Contingency Plans

• Reasonable accommodations are available for students with disabilities.

• Policies are in place to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Contingency plans exist for emergencies or class interruptions.

Course Schedule (Selected Topics by Week)

Key Biochemistry Concepts Covered

• Macromolecules: Structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

• Protein Structure: Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels; folding and stability.

• Enzyme Kinetics: Mechanisms, regulation, and catalytic efficiency.

• Metabolism: Pathways of carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism; energy production and regulation.

• Membranes: Structure, transport, and signaling.

• Experimental Techniques: Methods for studying and analyzing macromolecules.

Additional Information

• All course materials, presentations, and resources will be available via Moodle and Achieve platforms.

• Use of AI tools is permitted only as specified by the instructor and must be properly cited.

• All policies and procedures are subject to change in extraordinary circumstances, with advance notice provided.