OVERVIEW

The course provides an overview of the main pathways of the secondary metabolism and of the biological mechanisms that characterize them, with the in-depth analysis of some classes of metabolites.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Overview of the main pathways of the secondary metabolism and of its characterizing biological mechanisms.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with an overview of the main pathways of the secondary metabolism and of the characterizing biological mechanisms, as well as a deeper knowledge of the properties of some classes of secondary metabolites and their effects on the human organism (especially in the field of steroids, vitamins, alkaloids).

PREREQUISITES

For an optimal fruition of the course, the knowledge of the basic notions of General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry (Organic Chemistry 1 and 2) is essential. It is desirable that the student has also acquired the contents of the Organic Chemistry 3 course.

Teaching methods

The teaching is based on frontal lectures, with the prevalent use of slides.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The secondary metabolism: general aspects and schematization of the main secondary metabolic pathways.

Detailed analysis of the mevalonate pathway (terpenes / essential oils, cholesterol, steroids and vitamin D, carotenoids and vitamin A).

The “non-Mevalonic” way to terpenes: an outline.

The way of shikimate: synthesis of aromatic α-amino acids and other classes of secondary metabolites.

Vitamins: historical notes, classification, general aspects and detailed examination, for some of them, of synthesis and involvement in the metabolism.

Alkaloids: classification, general considerations, details on the chemistry (synthesis and / or mode of action) of some examples of particular interest.

Natural substances of marine origin: generalities and examples of particular interest.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The slides of the lessons will be available in pdf format on Aulaweb.

For specific topics on the program, reading of the following text is recommended:

-- P.M. Dewick - Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Bioactivity of Natural Substances, 2nd Italian Ed., translation of the III english Ed. by E. Fattorusso - Piccin, 2013.

For the revision / deepening of basic organic chemistry topics, the most recent editions of the same texts recommended for the courses of Organic Chemistry I and II can be used; in particular:

-- Brown, Foote, Organic Chemistry - EdiSES

-- Bruice, Organic Chemistry - EdiSES

Teaching methods

The teaching is based on frontal lectures, with the prevalent use of slides.

LESSONS START

From 8 March 2021 (according to the timetable shown on  http://www.chimica.unige.it/didattica/orari_CTC  e/o  https://corsi.unige.it/8757)

Exam description

The exam will consist of an oral interview before a commission of at least two theachers, with the essential use of the blackboard or other writing support on which to develop the exam topics, especially as regards the arguments most directly based on chemistry.

The student can freely choose to bring, as part of the exam, a PowerPoint presentation on an in-depth study of a program (or strictly related) topic, to be agreed with the teacher.

Assessment methods

During the interview, it is intended to ascertain, through the initial discussion of topics carried out in the frontal lectures, the degree of understanding reached by the student as well as his reasoning ability in making connections between different parts of the program and in dealing with case studies related to those expressly treated in the program.

Exam schedule