Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Applications in Biotechnology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
This course aims at teaching students the main methods and techniques used in molecular biology and biochemistry in the context of biotech research, diagnosis and therapy. Practical lab exercises dealing with such techniques are part of the course.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this course, the student will have all the theoretical and practical skills on methods in molecular biology and biochemistry to successfully work in a lab where such techniques are used.
Lesson period: year
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
year
This information refers to the part of the course dealing on molecular biology methods held by Prof. Lazzaro in the first semester. Information on the second half of the course - methods in biochemistry in the second semester - will be provided later during the academic year.
In-presence lessons will be replaced by synchronous remote streaming lessons on the Microsoft Teams platform. The lessons will be recorded and made available on the Ariel website.
The exam will be written in presence if the conditions allow it. Otherwise they will always take place in written mode, remotely via the Exam.net platform.
The training laboratories will be held in the presence. Laboratory hours will be reduced in proportion to the reduction in laboratory capacity (as a result of anti-contamination standards). The remaining hours will be replaced by synchronous remote lessons.
In-presence lessons will be replaced by synchronous remote streaming lessons on the Microsoft Teams platform. The lessons will be recorded and made available on the Ariel website.
The exam will be written in presence if the conditions allow it. Otherwise they will always take place in written mode, remotely via the Exam.net platform.
The training laboratories will be held in the presence. Laboratory hours will be reduced in proportion to the reduction in laboratory capacity (as a result of anti-contamination standards). The remaining hours will be replaced by synchronous remote lessons.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It is suggested to have attended and passed the Chemical Biology and Molecular Biology exams.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of written open questions.
Methods in Biochemistry
Course syllabus
- Basic Techniques of Analysis and Purification of Proteins (Omogenization, Centrifugation, Chromatography, Electrophoresis)
- Spectroscopic methods (absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and circular dichroism), evaluation of biological activity (biological activity assays, doses of enzymatic activity).
- Structural Biology Techniques
- Techniques for protein-protein or protein-ligand interaction analysis.
- Antibodies: structure and function. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. ELISA, Western Blott and Phage display. Use of antibodies in diagnosis and therapy, humanised antibodies.
- Protein Engineering Techniques: Direct site mutagenesis, Random Mutagenesis (directed evolution, molecular breeding: PCR error error, DNA shuffling, ITCHY). Methods for screening protein variants obtained by mutagenesis.
- Enzymes: Enzyme dosages, use of enzymes to titrate metabolites.
- Protein classes of industrial interest and therapy: Blood proteins (coagulation factors, clot lysis), Proteases, lipases, amylases, thermostable enzymes, immobilized enzymes, biosensors.
- During the course several examples of research published in scientific journals are discussed.
- The course includes 16 hours of laboratory exercises on the topics concerning the course.
- Spectroscopic methods (absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and circular dichroism), evaluation of biological activity (biological activity assays, doses of enzymatic activity).
- Structural Biology Techniques
- Techniques for protein-protein or protein-ligand interaction analysis.
- Antibodies: structure and function. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. ELISA, Western Blott and Phage display. Use of antibodies in diagnosis and therapy, humanised antibodies.
- Protein Engineering Techniques: Direct site mutagenesis, Random Mutagenesis (directed evolution, molecular breeding: PCR error error, DNA shuffling, ITCHY). Methods for screening protein variants obtained by mutagenesis.
- Enzymes: Enzyme dosages, use of enzymes to titrate metabolites.
- Protein classes of industrial interest and therapy: Blood proteins (coagulation factors, clot lysis), Proteases, lipases, amylases, thermostable enzymes, immobilized enzymes, biosensors.
- During the course several examples of research published in scientific journals are discussed.
- The course includes 16 hours of laboratory exercises on the topics concerning the course.
Teaching methods
Class teaching and laboratory exercises
Teaching Resources
K.Wilson & J.M.Walker
Principles and techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cambridge University Press
M. Stoppini & V. Bellotti
Biochimica Applicata
EdiSES
Principles and techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cambridge University Press
M. Stoppini & V. Bellotti
Biochimica Applicata
EdiSES
Methods in Molecular Biology
Course syllabus
- Basic Techniques of Analysis (DNA/RNA Electrophoresis and variants, Southern/Northern blot, PCR, DNA cloning )
- Genomic/cDNA Library cloning vector and applications
- Genetic screening, phage display, two hybrid and variants
- DNA sequencing technologies
- Model organisms
- Synthetic lethality screening and application as therapeutic strategies
- Mutants
- Methods to study genic expression
- Protein-Nucleic Acid interaction
- During the course several examples of research published in scientific journals are discussed.
- The course includes 16 hours of laboratory exercises on the topics concerning the course.
- Genomic/cDNA Library cloning vector and applications
- Genetic screening, phage display, two hybrid and variants
- DNA sequencing technologies
- Model organisms
- Synthetic lethality screening and application as therapeutic strategies
- Mutants
- Methods to study genic expression
- Protein-Nucleic Acid interaction
- During the course several examples of research published in scientific journals are discussed.
- The course includes 16 hours of laboratory exercises on the topics concerning the course.
Teaching methods
Class teaching and laboratory exercises
Teaching Resources
Richard J Reece
Analysis of genes and genomes
EdiSES
T.A. Brown
Genomes 3
EdiSES
Analysis of genes and genomes
EdiSES
T.A. Brown
Genomes 3
EdiSES
Methods in Biochemistry
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Chaves Sanjuan Antonio, Ricagno Stefano
Shifts:
Professor:
Ricagno Stefano
Turno 1
Professor:
Chaves Sanjuan AntonioTurno 2
Professor:
Chaves Sanjuan Antonio
Methods in Molecular Biology
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Lazzaro Federico