Overall objectives:

1 - To acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about the biocatalysts (enzymes) and understand their role in the realization of biochemical processes and cellular metabolome.
2 - To understand the disciplinary character of the Enzymology, through illustration of the enzyme proprieties, structure, catalytic mechanism and functions, and regulation, highlight their interrelationships.
3 - To be aware of current and future issues of this science domain and of its implications in its development or multiple applications

Syllabus:

1 - Introduction. General and specific objectives of courses. Evaluation
2 - Subject of study, methodology and methods. Nomenclature of enzymes. Associated concepts.
3 - Methods in Enzymology. Methods of determination of activity and purification of enzymes. Associated concepts.
4 - Structural Enzymology. Structural modeling methods. Composition and molecular structure of enzymes. Associated concepts.
5 - Functional Enzymology. Catalytic activity modeling methods. Enzymatic kinetics and catalytic parameters of enzymes. Catalytic mechanisms and catalysis. Associated concepts.
6 - Bioregulation of enzymes. Mechanisms of regulation and control of activity of enzymes. Biosynthesis and turnover of enzymes. In vivo organization of enzymes. Associated concepts.
7 - Enzyme applications. Enzymes and the clinical or environmental diagnosis, food industry, biotechnology.
8 - Project, analysis of structure, catalytic functions and applications of an enzyme.
9 - Laboratory activity, extraction, partial purification and characterization of an enzyme.

Literature/Sources:

PALMER, T., BONNER, P.L. , 2007 , Enzymes. 2nd Ed. , Woodhead Publishing
PRICE, N.C., STEVENS, L. , 1998 , Fundamentals of enzymology. 2nd Ed. , Oxford Science Publications
DIXON M., WEBB, E.C. , 1989 , Enzymes , Longman. Suffolk
GARRET, R., GRISHAM, CH. , 1995 , Biochemistry , Saunders College Pub
PALMER, T , 1991 , Understanding Enzymes , Ellis Harwood Pub., New York
EISENTHAL, R., DANSON, M.J. , 1992 , Enzyme Assay , Oxford Science Publications, Oxford
ENGEL, P.C. , 1996 , Enzymology , Labfax. Bios Scientific Pub. Academic Press
CORNISH-BOWDEN, A. , 1999 , Basic Mathematics for Biochemists. 2nd Ed. , Oxford University Press.
União Internacional de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. , Nomenclatura das Enzimas ,
Banco de Suíço de Proteínas , Vários ,
Vários , Artigos científicos de revisão na área ,

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The courses unit comprises TP and PL classes. The TP includes master classes, teaching theoretical topics; projection and discussion of specific contents. Individual work on an enzyme will be performed, and the information used in the preparation of 1 report (review article). PLs involve the design and execution of a scheme for extraction, partial purification and characterization of an enzyme. Laboratory activities are performed in groups. Assessment according to model B involves: Examination test, assessment of acquired specific concepts and knowledge (35% of the grade); written work about an enzyme, assessment of skills for acquisition and systematization, and critical analysis of specific information (25%); Laboratory work, continuous evaluation of planning, execution and performance of lab activities (15%), data acquisition, treatment and interpretation of results and their written presentation (20%). Continuous assessment contributes to 5% of the grade.