SCIENZE BIOLOGICHE, GEOLOGICHE E AMBIENTALIExperimental and Applied BiologyAcademic Year 2022/2023
9796176 - MOLECULAR BIOENERGETICS
Teacher: Vito Nicola DE PINTO
Expected Learning Outcomes
This course will be conducted in English. The teaching materials will be texts and articles in English, provided by the lecturer on a case-by-case basis.
To provide an integrated view of mitochondrial bioenergetics with
emphasis on the molecular aspects of it. Three-dimensional structures
and nucleotide and amino acid sequences will be considered in a general
framework. The cellular and metabolic role of the mitochondrion will be
described with reference to the structural detail of the molecules
involved. The biomolecular importance of the organelle will be addressed
in the round, from the energetic to the biochemical, nutritional,
genetic, evolutionary and disease-related aspects.
Course Structure
The course will be delivered through lectures and seminar sessions.
The use of telematic and computer tools will add depth to the course.
Students will be actively involved.
If the course is taught in a blended mode or at a distance, the
necessary variations may be introduced in order to comply with the
syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
The Bachelor's degree provides sufficient preparation for successful completion of the course.
Attendance of Lessons
Class attendance is necessary for a better understanding of the
contents. In fact, an important part of the CFUs will be used for
in-depth study of literature for which the lessons are critical and
indispensable moments of coordination.
In any case, the minimum attendance will follow the guidelines of the Degree Course.
In addition, practical exercises will be organised on respirometric
methods for studying mitochondrial activity and the reconstitution of
porins in planar lipid membranes.
Detailed Course Content
The roles of the mitochondrion in the cell and the organism.
Structural organisation of the mitochondrion, topology from EM to
TAC-EM. Phospholipid composition of mitochondrial membranes. Contact
sites between mitochondrion and other cytoplasmic organelles.
Elements of General Bioenergetics. Free energy. Phosphorylated compounds and their importance.
Mitochondrial metabolisms: catabolic pathways and production of energy
molecules; biosynthesis of structural and functional intermediates;
control of cellular redox balance; management of waste products.
Relationship between biological energy and nutrition. The energy balance
of living organisms. The final fate of nutrients is in the
mitochondrion. The management of food-derived energy takes place in the
mitochondrion. Energy metabolism. Energy demand and optimal energy
expenditure. The mitochondrion as a regulatory centre for energy
homeostasis.
Central role of the membranes. Energised state of membranes.
Chemiosmotic hypothesis and its demonstration. Oxidative
phosphorylation: the machinery involved. Structural biology of the
bioenergetic machinery.
Organisation of the respiratory chain. Techniques used to study
mitochondrial function: Clark's electrode, high-resolution respirometry;
use of fluorescent markers to determine membrane potential. 3D
structure of respiratory chain complexes. Complexes I-IV. Co-Q and
cytochrome c. Mitochondrial super-complexes.
Oxidative phosphorylation, deciphering the mechanism of ATP synthesis. 3D structure of ATPsynthase.
Carriers and transporters in the mitochondrion. Structure. Transport
mechanisms, study methods, reconstitution in artificial membranes. The
pores of the outer membrane: 3D structure, biophysical study methods.
Mitochondrial biogenesis. The coordinated contribution of nuclear and
mitochondrial DNA to the constitution of the organelle. Protein import
routes. Coordination of the transcription of the two genomes. Study
methods. Adaptation to environmental conditions.
The genetic system of the mitochondrion. Endosymbiont theory of
mitochondrial origin. The mitochondrial genome in different species is
variable. human mtDNA: organisation of genes. Genetic metabolism
machinery. Protein synthesis and use of the non-universal genetic code.
The particular heredity of the organelle. Mitochondrial mutations.
Heteroplasmia and homoplasmia. Mitochondrial pathologies due to mtDNA
mutation. Mitochondrial evolution. Use of mtDNA in population genetics
and species recognition (DNA barcoding).
Proteomics of the mitochondrion. Methods and results of a large-scale study.
Textbook Information
This is an inter- and meta-disciplinary course, for which there are no
canonical textbooks. The study material will be provided by the lecturer
and will consist of articles from the literature and material projected
in class. Both will be uploaded to Studium.
As a general reference you may find helpful: Nichols DG, Ferguson S -
Bioenergetics 4th ed 2014 Academic Press editor and later editions. Also
the classical textbook by A.L. Lehninger provides a well written
chapter about the basics of Bioenergetics and general biochemical
insights.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References |
1 | Bioenergetics | Nichols DG, Ferguson S - Bioenergetics 4th ed 2014 Academic Press editor and later editions. |
2 | Advancements in Molecular Bioenergetics | Articles to be provided by the teacher |
3 | Thermodynamics and bioenergetics, metabolic network | A.L. Lehninger et al, italian and american editions |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The examination method is an oral interview. During this interview, the
candidate may present an in-depth study of a topic agreed with the
teacher.
The learning assessment may also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.
Versione in italiano