39131 - BIOCHEMISTRY

Subject type: Basic

Coordinator: Jordi Sarola Gassiot

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 1

• Catalan
• Spanish

Oral presentations in the classroom will be in Spanish and Catalan.

There are documents in Spanish and English, as well as audiovisual materials in Spanish.

The subject of biochemistry belongs to the basic subject and is a very important subject throughout the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Its syllabus is due to its implications in clinical practice and in sports. 

A general introduction will be made to review concepts and then begin to study the main molecules: proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates and all associated molecules. Subsequently, the main metabolic pathways for obtaining energy and biosynthesis and degradation of the main types of biomolecules will be studied. The regulation of all these pathways in the main tissues with metabolic activity (liver, skeletal muscle and brain) will also be studied in basal conditions as well as in conditions of caloric restriction and high energy demand. The objective is for the student to have a global and in-depth vision of primary metabolism, its regulation and integration, as well as the specific processes that participate in the biosynthesis of macromolecules.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer the prejudices of others.

Block 1. Introduction to biochemistry. 

Topic 1. Bioelements. 

1.1. Water.

1.2. Macroelements, microelements and oligoelements. Nutritional content of bioelements in foods. 

Topic 2. Biomolecules. 

2.1. Levels of molecular organization. 

2.2. Main functional groups. 

2.3. Main chemical reactions. 

Block 2. Structure and function of amino acids and proteins 

Topic 3. Amino acids. 

3.1. Structure and nomenclature. 

3.2. Classification and properties. 

Unit 4. Peptides and proteins. 

4.1. Peptide bond: characteristics, torsion angles. 

4.2. Peptides, biological functions. 

4.3. Proteins: classification. 

4.4. Levels of organization of the protein structure. 

4.5. Protein dynamics: denaturation and folding. 

4.6. Protein separation techniques. 

Block 3. Enzymology. 

Topic 5. Enzymes. 

Block 4. Bioenergetics, biological oxidations and intermediary metabolism. 

Topic 6. Metabolism. 

6.1. Types of metabolism, bioenergetics, oxidation-reduction reactions. 

6.2. Energy-rich compounds: ATP. 

Unit 7. Citric acid cycle. 

7.1. Role of the cycle in metabolism. 

7.2. Cycle stages and their regulation. 

Unit 8. Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. 

8.1. CTE complexes: function and CTE inhibitors. 

8.2. Oxidative phosphorylation: chemiosmotic theory and respiratory control. 

Block 5. Metabolism of carbohydrates. 

Topic 9. Structure of carbohydrates. 

Unit 10. Glycolysis. 

Item 11. Pentoses phosphate. 

Unit 12. Gluconeogenesis. 

Unit 13. Glycogen metabolism. 

Block 6. Metabolism of fatty acids. 

Topic 14. Structure of lipids. 

Topic 15. Lipolysis and oxidation of FA. 

Topic 16. Biosynthesis of GAs. 

Unit 17. Biosynthesis of phospholipids and triacylglycerides.

Unit 18. Cholesterol metabolism. 

Block 7. Metabolism of nitrogenous biomolecules. 

Unit 19. Oxidation of amino acids. 

Unit 20. Biosynthesis of amino acids. 

Topic 21. Nucleotides. Synthesis and degradation.

Block 8. Integration of metabolism. 

Topic 22. Food-fasting cycle (fasting). 

Seminars 

Seminars 1 and 2. Enzymology.

Seminars 3 and 4. Laboratory practices. 

The assessment system for the skills and learning outcomes of this subject includes different assessment activities for Subject 1 - Basic Training:

Evaluation of the virtual modality: 

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

In order for the exam grade to be averaged with the rest of the grades obtained during the course of the subject, it will be necessary to obtain a grade equal to or higher than 5 points out of a total of 10 points.

According to UPF regulations, students who have the option to make up the subject are those who have obtained a grade of "fail". If the subject is not passed, the only part that can be retaken is the exam, with an extraordinary exam (retake) within the same academic year.

The evaluation system and recovery period are detailed in the Learning Plan available in the virtual classroom at the beginning of the subject.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It should be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use. 

Lehninger, Albert. (2006). Principles of biochemistry. Omega. Barcelona 

Stryer, Lubert. (2013). biochemistry reverted Barcelona 

Devlin, Thomas M. (2004). biochemistry Textbook with clinical applications. reverted Barcelona 

Feduchi, Elena (2011). biochemistry essential concepts Pan American medicine. Madrid 

Karp, Gerald. (2011). Cellular and molecular biology. McGraw-Hill/Interamericana. Madrid