PROCESSI BIOCHIMICI ED APPLICAZIONI BIOTECNOLOGICHE AGROALIMENTARI

To provide specific knowledge of biochemistry applied to the study of plant responses to hormones and to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as to biotechnological applications in the agri-food sector.

1. Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, the student will be familiar with the main primary and secondary metabolites of plants and microorganisms, the key biochemical pathways involved in their formation, and their significance regarding physiological regulation and plant productivity. Furthermore, the student will understand the main biochemical processes involved in plant responses to hormones and to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as the fundamentals of agri-food biotechnological applications.

By the end of the course, the student will be able to interpret key plant metabolic pathways, link metabolic processes to the biological functions of their products, and apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of biotechnological processes and applications.

3. Making judgments

Through practical exercises, participatory discussions, and formative assessments, the student will develop the ability to critically analyze the biochemical processes studied and their associated biotechnological applications.

4. Communication skills

Through interactive teaching activities and the oral exam, the student will develop the ability to communicate the subject matter using appropriate biochemical terminology.

5. Learning skills

The student will be able to independently update and expand their knowledge by utilizing textbooks, scientific articles, and bibliographic and digital resources.

The course includes 49 hours of frontal lessons (or distance learning) and 14 hours of classroom exercises through presentations and participatory debates among students on research, case studies or topics related to the course topics.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact teacher of the Department, Prof. Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Prof. Anna De Angelis.

Knowledge of biology and general biochemistry, with particular reference to the main biomolecules and the fundamentals of cellular metabolism.

Specific course titles are not listed, in accordance with PQA guidelines, so as to allow students from other educational backgrounds to verify whether they possess the necessary knowledge.

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Main metabolic pathways related to the formation of secondary metabolites (Photosynthesis. Hexose phosphate pool. Synthesis and degradation of sucrose and starch. Triose phosphate/pentose phosphate metabolic pool. Interactions between hexose phosphate and pentose phosphate/triose phosphate pools. Glycolysis, Pentose phosphate pathway, Krebs cycle. Oxidative phosphorylation. Alternative oxidase. Synthesis and catabolism of fatty acids. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Absorption and reduction of nitrites and nitrates. Absorption and transport of sulfate. Reductive assimilation pathway of sulfate.).

Phenolic compounds: shikimic acid and aromatic amino acid pathway. Biosynthesis of simple phenols.

Biosynthesis of lignin. Coumarins. Stilbenes, dibenzyls, benzoquinones, naphthoquinones and anthraquinones. Biosynthesis of complex phenols: flavonoids and tannins. Terpenoids.

Mevalonic acid pathway and isoprene biosynthesis.

Monoterpenes, sesquierpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, polyterpenes.

Secondary metabolites containing nitrogen.

Alkaloids. Nicotinic and tropane alkaloids. Isoquinoline alkaloids. Indole alkaloids. Cyanonegetic glucosides. Glucosinolates. Non-protein amino acids.

Overview of the main signal transduction pathways. Secondary metabolites and plant hormones in the adaptation of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses.

Control of phytopathogens by genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering of lipids for the improvement of edible oils.

Biotechnological applications on the biosynthesis of terpenoids and alkaloids.

Metabolic engineering for the production of phenylpropanoids: source of advanced fibers, pigments, pharmaceuticals and flavors.

Buchanan B.B., Gruissem W., Jones R.L. -Biochemistry Molecular Biology of Plants- Zanichelli.

Maffei – Plant Biochemistry – Piccin.

Taiz, Zeiger – Plant Physiology – Piccin.

Dewick P.M. – Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Bioactivity of Natural Substances- Piccin.

Nelson D.L., Cox M.M. - Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. VIII Edition- Ed. Zanichelli.

Learning assessment will be oral and will focus exclusively on the topics covered in class. Questions are designed to evaluate a reasoned understanding of the course syllabus.

Learning assessments may also be conducted electronically, should circumstances require it. To ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current regulations, students may request a personal meeting to arrange any necessary compensatory measures and/or dispensations, based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the Department’s designated representative for CinAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration — Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) at https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti.

Evaluation criteria:

Date appeals:

The exam dates will be published on the Department website.

1) Description of a metabolic pathway.

2) Function and biosynthesis of plant bioactive metabolites.

3) Biotechnological production and applications of plant bioactive metabolites.