Molecular Biology
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Notions of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology are indispensable to successfully follow the course.
The final exam will test the acquired knowledge through a written test. This test is a mixture of open (ca 55%) and multiple choice (ca 45%) questions covering the entire program. Candidates that reach 26/30 points or above will have the chance of trying an oral exam to reach the maximum score.
The course aims at providing the basic knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate and underpin the maintenance and the flow of genetic information in prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. Moreover, the course is aimed at providing the students knowledge of the principal techniques of molecular biology and how to use these to solve specific biological problems with particular emphasis on the proper controls.
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired theoretic and operative skills of the main molecular processes involved in the maintenance and transmission of the genetic information. Further, the student will have the competences to evaluate and interpret experimental data.
Biologic macromolecules: DNA, RNA, and proteins (structure, function, and the techniques for their isolation). (8 h, 1 cfu)
Model organisms used in molecular biology. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
DNA topology and the topoisomerases. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
Chromatin condensation in eukariotes: structure of nucleosomes and the superior levels of compaction. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
DNA replication in phages, prokariotes and eukariotes. (6 h, 0.75 cfu)
Transcription in prokariotes: structure of the transcriptional apparatus, the regulatory sequences and the mechanisms of regulation. (9 h, 1.125 cfu)
Transcription in eukariotes: structure of the transcriptional apparatus, promoters and the mechanisms of regulation. (3 h, 0.375 cfu)
Maturation of RNA: capping, splicing, poly-adenylation, editing. Molecular mechanisms and evolution. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
The genetic code. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
Translation in prokariotes described at the molecular level with the fundamental passages and mechanisms of regulation. Brief overview of translation in eukariotes with emphasis on the differences with respect to prokariotes. (6 h, 0.75 cfu)
DNA damage and repair. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
Recombination. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
Transposons. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
Main techniques of molecular biology: electrophoresis of DNA, RNA and proteins; techniques of hybridization; DNA sequencing, PCR, PCR, techniques of genetic engineering, production and utility of mono- and polyclonal antibodies.
All arguments will include an explanation of different experimental approaches aimed at demonstrating the current evidence. The students will thus review the main molecular biology techniques used in modern laboratories. Special emphasis will be given to the concept of proper controls allowing a correct interpretation of the experiments.
Biologic macromolecules: DNA, RNA, and proteins (structure, function, and the techniques for their isolation). (8 h, 1 cfu)
Model organisms used in molecular biology. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
DNA topology and the topoisomerases. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
Chromatin condensation in eukariotes: structure of nucleosomes and the superior levels of compaction. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
DNA replication in phages, prokariotes and eukariotes. (6 h, 0.75 cfu)
Transcription in prokariotes: structure of the transcriptional apparatus, the regulatory sequences and the mechanisms of regulation. (9 h, 1.125 cfu)
Transcription in eukariotes: structure of the transcriptional apparatus, promoters and the mechanisms of regulation. (3 h, 0.375 cfu)
Maturation of RNA: capping, splicing, poly-adenylation, editing. Molecular mechanisms and evolution. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
The genetic code. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
Translation in prokariotes described at the molecular level with the fundamental passages and mechanisms of regulation. Brief overview of translation in eukariotes with emphasis on the differences with respect to prokariotes. (6 h, 0.75 cfu)
DNA damage and repair. (4 h, 0.5 cfu)
Recombination. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
Transposons. (2 h, 0.25 cfu)
Main techniques of molecular biology: electrophoresis of DNA, RNA and proteins; techniques of hybridization; DNA sequencing, PCR, PCR, techniques of genetic engineering, production and utility of mono- and polyclonal antibodies.
All arguments will include an explanation of different experimental approaches aimed at demonstrating the current evidence. The students will thus review the main molecular biology techniques used in modern laboratories. Special emphasis will be given to the concept of proper controls allowing a correct interpretation of the experiments.
Pdf files of the lectures will be provided during the course.
As textbook is recommended one of the following books:
1. MM Cox, Jennifer A. Doudna, MO’Donnel Molecular Biology: Principles and Techniques. Zanichelli;
2. Watson JD, Baker TA, Bell SP, Gann A. Levine M. Losick Molecular Biology of the Gene (6th edition) Zanichelli.
The course consists of 9 CFU of lectures.
The teacher is available upon appointment via email: c.kilstrup-nielsen@uninsubria.it