Methods in Experimental Embryology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the teaching is to teach students the basic biological-molecular aspects of embryonic development of some reference biological models. The knowledge of these aspects derives mainly from the analysis of the effects determined by the experimental alteration of normal development processes.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the teaching the student will have acquired the basic skills of some of the main methods of embryo manipulation and subsequent analysis. Finally, he will have to demonstrate that he has achieved a certain ability to understand and solve biological problems related to embryonic development. This approach, also of an experimental type, will allow the student to have the bases to face in an autonomous way the biological themes related to the embryonic development that he could meet in future studies.
Lesson period: First 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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Experimental studies of the embryonic development of Vertebrates: a survey.
Physiological mechanisms of embryonic development: general aspects. Main animal models. Embryo manipulation techniques: among others, tissue and cell transplants, transgenesis, transient or stable gene inactivation, ectopic gene expression.
Innovative experimental approaches to embryonic development studies. Reinterpretation of the previous experimental studies on embryonic development in the light of the most advanced technologies.
Current methodologies used to modulate the cellular plasticity typical of embryonic stages, including cellular models such as embryonic stem cells of both murine and human type.
Physiological mechanisms of embryonic development: general aspects. Main animal models. Embryo manipulation techniques: among others, tissue and cell transplants, transgenesis, transient or stable gene inactivation, ectopic gene expression.
Innovative experimental approaches to embryonic development studies. Reinterpretation of the previous experimental studies on embryonic development in the light of the most advanced technologies.
Current methodologies used to modulate the cellular plasticity typical of embryonic stages, including cellular models such as embryonic stem cells of both murine and human type.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology.
Teaching methods
The teaching course will consist of classroom lessons and seminars deepening the topics covered in the Course. The lessons will be comprised of PowerPoint slides provided by the teacher. The students will also be provided with copies of recent articles published on international journals inherent to the covered topics. These articles will also be available in pdf format on the teacher web site.
Attendance at the teaching course is highly recommended.
Attendance at the teaching course is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
· Gilbert SF, Biologia dello sviluppo, Zanichelli.
· Slack J, Essential developmental biology, Blackwell Science.
· Wolpert L, Biologia dello sviluppo, Zanichelli.
· Slack J, Essential developmental biology, Blackwell Science.
· Wolpert L, Biologia dello sviluppo, Zanichelli.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will consist of a written test with open-ended questions on the covered topics. The time to complete the test is 1 hour and half.
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Ricciardi Sara
Professor(s)