General Biochemistry

This course covers the main aspects of Biochemistry and introduces genetic transmission. First, we will
briefly study the levels of organization of life, and the different types of organisms. Then we will cover
the composition, structure, and function of the most important biological molecules, such us,
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Finally, an introduction to the process by which small
segments of DNA that encode genes are transmitted from one generation to the next will be given.
Class description: Students are introduced to the main concepts of Biochemistry and Genetic
Transmission through class and laboratory sessions.

DIDACTIC UNIT 1: MOLECULAR STRUCTURES AND CATALYSIS
The Foundations of Biochemistry
Water
Carbohydrates. Structure. Classification. Functions
Lipids. Structure. Classification. Functions
Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins. Structure. Properties. Classification. Functions
Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids
Enzymes. Enzymatic Kinetics. Mechanisms. Regulatory enzymes
Vitamins and coenzymes
DIDACTIC UNIT 2: GENETIC INFORMATION FLOW
Genetic information replication, transcription and translation
DIDACTIC UNIT 3: LABORATORY PRACTICE
Introduction to biochemistry laboratory
Enzymatic kinetics
Bioinformatic session: 3D Protein structure
DNA extraction