Plant Molecular Biology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
Objective of the course is to provide students with knowledge of molecular biology concepts and experimental approaches to understand gene function in plants, also through the analysis of case studies in crops.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will become familiar with the approaches used to investigate the fundamental link between gene structure, function and phenotype. Competences will also include the analysis of gene sequence and expression as well as allelic variations.
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
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held remotely in synchronous mode using the MS Teams platform, according to the published timetable. Some lectures will be held in presence, according to University guidelines. All lectures will be recorded and made available through Ariel/dedicated Team on MS Teams. Practical training sessions will take place online and if possible in presence: the online sessions will be held through the MS Teams platform, while the sessions in presence will be held in laboratory according to timetable that will be provided via Ariel/MS Teams.
Up-to-date information on the course and instructions on how to join the MS Team are available on the Ariel site.
Exam procedures
If allowed, the exam will take place in presence. Alternatively, the exam will take place orally using the MS Teams platform.
Lectures will be held remotely in synchronous mode using the MS Teams platform, according to the published timetable. Some lectures will be held in presence, according to University guidelines. All lectures will be recorded and made available through Ariel/dedicated Team on MS Teams. Practical training sessions will take place online and if possible in presence: the online sessions will be held through the MS Teams platform, while the sessions in presence will be held in laboratory according to timetable that will be provided via Ariel/MS Teams.
Up-to-date information on the course and instructions on how to join the MS Team are available on the Ariel site.
Exam procedures
If allowed, the exam will take place in presence. Alternatively, the exam will take place orally using the MS Teams platform.
Course syllabus
Overview of the flow from DNA to RNA to proteins. Gene structure, expression and regulation in eukaryotes. Fundamental features of eukaryotic genes: regulatory regions, coding regions, intron-exon boundaries; mRNA maturation; translation and protein domains; non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation and histone modifications) and role in the regulation of gene expression.
Forward and genetic analysis approaches as instruments to interpret gene functions. Basic molecular biology techniques: PCR, electrophoresis, restriction, ligation, gene cloning techniques (cloning vector, construction of recombinant molecules and transformation), Sanger sequencing. Introduction to next generation sequencing, genome annotation and use of online genomic resources. Basics of gene evolution, homology and introduction to DNA sequence databases and online analyses tools for similarity searches, sequence alignments and analysis of sequence conservation. Gene expression analysis techniques and identification of transcription factor binding sites.
Forward and genetic analysis approaches as instruments to interpret gene functions. Basic molecular biology techniques: PCR, electrophoresis, restriction, ligation, gene cloning techniques (cloning vector, construction of recombinant molecules and transformation), Sanger sequencing. Introduction to next generation sequencing, genome annotation and use of online genomic resources. Basics of gene evolution, homology and introduction to DNA sequence databases and online analyses tools for similarity searches, sequence alignments and analysis of sequence conservation. Gene expression analysis techniques and identification of transcription factor binding sites.
Prerequisites for admission
General genetics course
Teaching methods
Lectures and lab practicals.
Teaching Resources
Books
-Grotewold, Chappell, Kellogg, Plant Genes, Genomes and Genetics. Wiley-Blackwell
-Richard J. Reece, Analysis of Genes and Genomes. Wiley
Pdf files of lectures, scientific publications and JoVE videos will be available on Ariel/MS Teams. A handout for practical training activities will be available on Ariel/MS Teams.
-Grotewold, Chappell, Kellogg, Plant Genes, Genomes and Genetics. Wiley-Blackwell
-Richard J. Reece, Analysis of Genes and Genomes. Wiley
Pdf files of lectures, scientific publications and JoVE videos will be available on Ariel/MS Teams. A handout for practical training activities will be available on Ariel/MS Teams.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will be requested to write a research project proposal on a specific topic agreed with the teachers applying the theoretical knowledge and technical approaches acquired during the course. At the end of the course a joint session will be organized where each student will present their project and discuss it critically with the teachers and other students. During this oral discussion students are expected to make connections with topics covered during the course. The exam will be in English.
AGR/07 - AGRICULTURAL GENETICS - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Castorina Giulia, Consonni Gabriella, Rossini Laura
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment to be arranged in advance by e.mail.
Office c/o DiSAA (Agronomy), Via Celoria 2, Milan, or via MS Teams.