Properties of natural products and history. Enzymes and cofactors. The primary and secondary metabolism. Shikimic acid and its biosynthesis. Polyketides. Acetic acid and A acetilcoenzim. Mevalonic acid and terpenes; mevalonic acid biosynthesis. Steroids: sterols, phytosterols and adrenal cortex hormones (corticosteroids) and D vitamin. Alkaloids; introduction, classification, biosynthesis and systematic.
Medicinal Natural Products.A Biosynthetic Approach 3rd Edition Paul M Dewick-Wiley 2009
ISBN 978-0-470-74168-9 (cloth). Piccin ed.in italian (2012)
Further readings:
M.Hesse “Alkaloids- Nature’curse or blessing?”
Wiley,-VCH , 2002 ISBN 3-906390-24-1
Learning Objectives
Understanding of natural product structures, the way they are put together by living organisms and their chemical and physiological properties. Sufficient information to be able to predict how and why intermediates might be chemically elaborated and transformed.
Use of a deductive approach rather then remembering: deductive skills.
Prerequisites
Courses required: Organic Chemistry I
Courses recommended: Organic Chemistry II
Teaching Methods
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 48
Type of Assessment
Oral exam. Five annual exam sessions.
Course program
Secondary metabolism: building blocks and mechanisms.
Carbohydrates.
The acetate pathway: fatty acids and polyketides. The shikimate pathway: aromatic amino acids and phenylpropanoids.
The mevalonate and methylerythritolo phosphate pathways: terpenoids and steroids.
Alkaloids.
Antibiotics.
Synthesis of products with pharmacological activity strictly related to natural products.