Complements of Molecular Biology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
Aim of this course is to provide students with a solid background in Molecular biology, with the description of basic processes such as DNA replication, transcription and translation both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and examples of regulation of these processes and of the function of proteins, that are the final executers of the genetic program of a cell. In addition, the students will acquaint with the principles of basic molecular biology techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will acquire:
- basic knowledge of molecular biology;
- principles of basic molecular biology techniques
- basic knowledge of molecular biology;
- principles of basic molecular biology techniques
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to Molecular Biology
Structure and properties of biological molecules
DNA
RNA
Protein
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Molecular Biology Methodologies Part 1
Restriction enzymes.
Hybridization of Southern.
Principles of cloning.
Cloning vectors.
Construction of a recombinant DNA molecule.
Construction of genomic libraries.
Evolution of Genomes
Primary, secondary and higher order organization of chromatin. The nucleosome: composition and structure. Remodeling of nucleosomes and histone modifications.
Basic concepts of the cell cycle
DNA replication
Replication origins
Proteins involved in replication
Regulation of replication
Gene expression
Mechanisms of transcription in prokaryotes: beginning, lengthening and term.
bacterial RNA polymerase. Promoters and their structure. The sigma factors. Regulation at the transcriptional level in prokaryotes (the Lac operon). The termination of rho-dependent and independent transcription.
The mechanisms of transcription in eukaryotes: RNA polymerase I, II and III. The transcriptional mechanism operated by RNA polymerase II. The structure of a eukaryotic promoter. The basal transcriptional apparatus and the elements of the "core" promoter. Eukaryotic transcriptional activators: modular structure and function. Study techniques of transcriptional activators.
Pre-mRNA maturation: capping, splicing and polyadenylation. Splicing mechanism of nuclear pre-mRNAs.
Protein synthesis
Characteristics of ribosomes. Characteristics of tRNAs: secondary and tertiary structure of tRNAs. Activation of amino acids. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. The phenomenon of staggering.
How to start protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The stages of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Levels of regulation of gene expression.
Structure and properties of biological molecules
DNA
RNA
Protein
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Molecular Biology Methodologies Part 1
Restriction enzymes.
Hybridization of Southern.
Principles of cloning.
Cloning vectors.
Construction of a recombinant DNA molecule.
Construction of genomic libraries.
Evolution of Genomes
Primary, secondary and higher order organization of chromatin. The nucleosome: composition and structure. Remodeling of nucleosomes and histone modifications.
Basic concepts of the cell cycle
DNA replication
Replication origins
Proteins involved in replication
Regulation of replication
Gene expression
Mechanisms of transcription in prokaryotes: beginning, lengthening and term.
bacterial RNA polymerase. Promoters and their structure. The sigma factors. Regulation at the transcriptional level in prokaryotes (the Lac operon). The termination of rho-dependent and independent transcription.
The mechanisms of transcription in eukaryotes: RNA polymerase I, II and III. The transcriptional mechanism operated by RNA polymerase II. The structure of a eukaryotic promoter. The basal transcriptional apparatus and the elements of the "core" promoter. Eukaryotic transcriptional activators: modular structure and function. Study techniques of transcriptional activators.
Pre-mRNA maturation: capping, splicing and polyadenylation. Splicing mechanism of nuclear pre-mRNAs.
Protein synthesis
Characteristics of ribosomes. Characteristics of tRNAs: secondary and tertiary structure of tRNAs. Activation of amino acids. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. The phenomenon of staggering.
How to start protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The stages of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Levels of regulation of gene expression.
Prerequisites for admission
Suggested: Genetics and Biological Chemistry
Teaching methods
Frontal teaching with a high level of teacher interaction supported by projected teaching material which is available to students from a dedicated website. Extensive discussions to allow development of critical faculties and encourage constructive individual involvement in the teaching/learning process.
Teaching Resources
Craig N.L., Cohen-Fix O., Green R., Greider C.W., Storz G., Wolberger C.
Biologia Molecolare-Principi di funzionamento del genoma. Pearson
Biologia Molecolare-Principi di funzionamento del genoma. Pearson
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of two written tests structured with multiple choice questions and open-ended questions. Students regularly attending classes can take two in itinere tests (in the middle and at the end of the course) which will have an identical structure of the general exam.
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Lazzaro Federico, Zambelli Federico
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday 15.00-16.00 by appointment
Beacon Lab, 2nd floor, B Tower, Dept. of Biosciences / MS Teams