Applied Microbiology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
In this course students will acquire basic knowledge of microbiology. The students will learn structure and functions of the prokaryotic cell and will then be confronted with the metabolic and physiological diversity of prokaryotes. Key concepts on genetics will be also offered to students. Overall, these concepts represent tools to understand the applications of microbiology in the medical, pharmaceutical and diagnostic fields as well as in food industry.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of this curse the student will have acquired basic knowledge in microbiology and will know in detail the functioning of the prokaryotic cell. Moreover, the student will become familiar with the applications of microbiology in the medical pharmaceutical and industrial fields.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Linea AK
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1) Overview of microbiology and its applications.
2) Cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Bacteria and Archaea. Cytoplasmic membrane, structure and function. Bacterial transport systems.Cell wall of prokaryotes. Outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Capsules. Flagella and bacterial motility. Surface structure for adhesion: pili. The nucleoid. Structure and organization of bacterial chromosome. Cytoplasm. Ribosomes. Cell inclusions. Endospores.
3) Microbial growth and microbial growth control. Principles of microbial nutrition. Liquid and solid media, growth conditions. Methods for sterilization. Disinfectants and antiseptics.
4) Nutrition and metabolism. Overview of metabolism. Fermentation and substrate level phosphorylation. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Chemiolithotrophy. Photosynthesis: anoxygenic photosynthesis. Autotrophic CO2 fixation. Nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen fixation.
5) Microbial genetics. Mutations and mutants. Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms.
6) Viruses. Overview of bacterial viruses. Lytic cycle and lysogeny.
7) Selected examples of microorganisms relevant in clinic and industry
8) Antibiotics. Structure and mechanisms of action. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Overview of resistance mechanisms.
9) Overview of human-microorganism interactions
2) Cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Bacteria and Archaea. Cytoplasmic membrane, structure and function. Bacterial transport systems.Cell wall of prokaryotes. Outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Capsules. Flagella and bacterial motility. Surface structure for adhesion: pili. The nucleoid. Structure and organization of bacterial chromosome. Cytoplasm. Ribosomes. Cell inclusions. Endospores.
3) Microbial growth and microbial growth control. Principles of microbial nutrition. Liquid and solid media, growth conditions. Methods for sterilization. Disinfectants and antiseptics.
4) Nutrition and metabolism. Overview of metabolism. Fermentation and substrate level phosphorylation. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Chemiolithotrophy. Photosynthesis: anoxygenic photosynthesis. Autotrophic CO2 fixation. Nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen fixation.
5) Microbial genetics. Mutations and mutants. Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms.
6) Viruses. Overview of bacterial viruses. Lytic cycle and lysogeny.
7) Selected examples of microorganisms relevant in clinic and industry
8) Antibiotics. Structure and mechanisms of action. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Overview of resistance mechanisms.
9) Overview of human-microorganism interactions
Prerequisites for admission
The student must possess basic knowledge of chemistry, experimental biology, anatomy and human physiology.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and classroom exercises.
Teaching Resources
Galli-Dehò Biologia dei Microrganismi Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 3ed 2018
Slides from lessons in the teacher personal Ariel repository
Slides from lessons in the teacher personal Ariel repository
Assessment methods and Criteria
The verification of learning is represented by a written test; it consists of a series of multiple-choice questions and an exercise, each with a maximum score proportional to the complexity. The final grade is given by the sum of the scores obtained in the individual questions. Time available: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Polissi Alessandra
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Polissi AlessandraLinea LZ
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Sperandeo Paola
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Sperandeo PaolaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Upon request
Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Via Balzaretti 9 - Milano