Biotechnology 1 and Biotechnology 2
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at providing the basic knowledge in molecular biology and to introduce the main methodologies to study DNA, RNA, and proteins. The recombinant DNA technology and its various applications in the field of biotechnology will be illustrated, ranging from drug to biofuel manufacturing, diagnostics, improvement of agricultural crops, environmental bioremediation.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will be able to describe with proper terminology the molecular mechanisms used by cells to synthesize biomolecules; to identify the techniques to be used in a selected biotechnological application; to highlight the contribution of biotechnologies to production processes and in the management of environmental issues.
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
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2021/22 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
BIOTECHNOLOGY 1
- INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGIES
Molecular biology, from the DNA discovery to modern biotechnologies; examples and applications; regulations in biotechnologies.
- FUNDAMENTALS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Organization of genome in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; DNA structure and function, chromosomes, genes and chromatin; DNA replication; replication start and termination; repair; homologous recombination; transposons; DNA transcription into RNA; RNA structure and function; gene and epigenetic regulation; post-transcriptional regulation; RNA translation into proteins; ribosomes and protein synthesis; amino acids, peptide bonds, protein structures and modules; vesicular transport; protein degradation; enzyme catalysis; biological databases and bioinformatics.
- IN VITRO CULTURES
Fundamentals of cell cycle and checkpoint systems; culture media, supplements and growth factors; microorganisms of interest in biotechnologies; bacterial, animal and plant cultures; growth curves.
- DNA AND RNA MANIPULATION
Recombinant DNA technologies; enzymes in molecular biology; extraction of nucleic acids; agarose gel electrophoresis; Southern blotting; basis of cloning, creation and analysis of genomic libraries; PCR-based DNA amplification; reverse transcription, RT-PCR and quantitative techniques; RNA analysis; northern blotting; in situ hybridization; transcriptomics; microarrays; sequencing; mutations ans site-directed mutagenesis.
- PROTEIN ANALYSIS
Analysis of proteins using antibodies: microscopy, flow cytometry, western blotting, ELISA; enzymatic assays; proteomics and mass spectrometry.
BIOTECHNOLOGY 2
- GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
Methods of genetic engineering; recombinant constructs; heterologous expression of genes and gene silencing; functional studies on proteins; transfections and infections; viral vectors; transgenic organisms; applications and environmental implications.
- APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGIES
Applications of biotechnology in the fields of industry, pharmaceuticals, agronomy, health; production of fusion and recombinant proteins; bioreactors and fermenters; biotechnological drugs; gene therapy; vaccines; metagenomics; diagnostics and environmental assessment; water and soil remediation; biocompatible materials; waste management.
- INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGIES
Molecular biology, from the DNA discovery to modern biotechnologies; examples and applications; regulations in biotechnologies.
- FUNDAMENTALS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Organization of genome in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; DNA structure and function, chromosomes, genes and chromatin; DNA replication; replication start and termination; repair; homologous recombination; transposons; DNA transcription into RNA; RNA structure and function; gene and epigenetic regulation; post-transcriptional regulation; RNA translation into proteins; ribosomes and protein synthesis; amino acids, peptide bonds, protein structures and modules; vesicular transport; protein degradation; enzyme catalysis; biological databases and bioinformatics.
- IN VITRO CULTURES
Fundamentals of cell cycle and checkpoint systems; culture media, supplements and growth factors; microorganisms of interest in biotechnologies; bacterial, animal and plant cultures; growth curves.
- DNA AND RNA MANIPULATION
Recombinant DNA technologies; enzymes in molecular biology; extraction of nucleic acids; agarose gel electrophoresis; Southern blotting; basis of cloning, creation and analysis of genomic libraries; PCR-based DNA amplification; reverse transcription, RT-PCR and quantitative techniques; RNA analysis; northern blotting; in situ hybridization; transcriptomics; microarrays; sequencing; mutations ans site-directed mutagenesis.
- PROTEIN ANALYSIS
Analysis of proteins using antibodies: microscopy, flow cytometry, western blotting, ELISA; enzymatic assays; proteomics and mass spectrometry.
BIOTECHNOLOGY 2
- GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
Methods of genetic engineering; recombinant constructs; heterologous expression of genes and gene silencing; functional studies on proteins; transfections and infections; viral vectors; transgenic organisms; applications and environmental implications.
- APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGIES
Applications of biotechnology in the fields of industry, pharmaceuticals, agronomy, health; production of fusion and recombinant proteins; bioreactors and fermenters; biotechnological drugs; gene therapy; vaccines; metagenomics; diagnostics and environmental assessment; water and soil remediation; biocompatible materials; waste management.
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites for previous exams:
Pharmacology 1 and Pharmacology 2
Biochemistry
Pharmacology 1 and Pharmacology 2
Biochemistry
Teaching methods
Frontal classes with slides and video supports. Scientific papers about biotechnological applications of interest will be also discussed. During the course, multiple-choice tests will be administered to evaluate the gradual learning of the basic concepts.
Teaching Resources
Slides presented during the classes, digital supplemental material, recorded lessons (available on the ARIEL website)
Textbook (recommended):
- "Gene cloning and DNA analysis: an introduction" - Terry A. Brown (English version)
Optional textbooks:
- "Molecular biology of the cell" 6th edition - Bruce Alberts et al. - Garland Science
- "Biotecnologie sostenibili" - Galbiati et al. - Ed. Edagricole
- "Microbiologia agroambientale" - Biavati, Sorlini - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (in Italian)
Textbook (recommended):
- "Gene cloning and DNA analysis: an introduction" - Terry A. Brown (English version)
Optional textbooks:
- "Molecular biology of the cell" 6th edition - Bruce Alberts et al. - Garland Science
- "Biotecnologie sostenibili" - Galbiati et al. - Ed. Edagricole
- "Microbiologia agroambientale" - Biavati, Sorlini - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (in Italian)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Single oral examination for both modules. During the 20-minute exam, the student will be invited to briefly present a scientific paper about biotechnology, suggested by the teacher or selected by the student and approved by the teacher in advance. The student will be asked to describe some fundamental mechanisms in molecular biology and techniques learned during the course. Use of scientific language, fluency, reasoning skills and connection between the physiology of organisms and the potential of biotechnological intervention will be evaluated.
Biotechnology 1
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Biotechnology 2
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Request an appointment by email
Office in Via Balzaretti 9 (3rd floor)