The biological organization. Characteristics of living beings. Models of cellular organization: Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Viruses. The chemical bases of life. Biological macromolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, glycides. The cell membrane: structure and functions with particular reference to transport mechanisms and cellular communication. The various types of receptors and signal transduction. The nucleus and the nucleolus: structure and function. Organisation of chromatin, chromosomes. Smooth and wrinkled endoplasmic network. Golgi apparatus, lysosomes and peroxisomes. Mitochondria and cellular respiration. Cell cycle and its control. Interphase, DNA duplication, Mitosis.
Biological basis of nutrigenomics and epigenetics: DNA and genes
DNA synthesis, cell cycle and its regulation
Gene expression modulation and epigenetic
Epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation, histone acetylation microRNA.
Genetic code and protein synthesis
Protein turnover
Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics: relationship between polimorphisms and nutrition
Mediterranean diet and caloric restriction: autophagy, apoptosis, caloric restriction and longevity
Nutraceuticals and gene expression
Cell growth and differentiation: how can we commit cell fate?
Adipose tissue, adipocytes, body weight and metabolic perspectives
Molecular basis of cell senescence and aging: epigenetic regulation of aging and longevity
Diet during pregnancy: epigenetics and embryonic development
Chrononutrition and chronobiology