Complements of Molecular Biology
A.Y. 2021/2022
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
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for the academic year 2021/22 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
Introduction to Molecular Biology
Structure and properties of biological molecules
DNA
RNA
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Molecular Biology Methods Part A
Restriction enzymes.
Hybridization of Southerns.
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. Nucleosome remodeling and histone modifications.
Basic concepts of the cell cycle
DNA replication:
Origins of replication.
Proteins involved in replication
Regulation of replication
Gene Expression:
Mechanisms of transcription in prokaryotes: initiation, elongation, and termination.
Bacterial RNA polymerase. Promoters and their structure. Sigma factors. Regulation at the transcriptional level in prokaryotes (the Lac-Trp operon and phage lambda). Rho-dependent and independent transcriptional termination.
The mechanisms of transcription in eukaryotes: RNA polymerases 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. The eukaryotic transcriptional activators: modular structure and function. Techniques for studying transcriptional activators.
RNA maturation: processing of tRNAs and rRNAs, nucleotide modification of tRNAs and rRNAs, mRNA capping and polyadenylation, RNA splicing.
Protein synthesis:
characteristics of ribosomes. Characteristics of tRNAs: secondary and tertiary structure of tRNAs. Activation of amino acids. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. The phenomenon of vacillation.
Mode of initiation of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Stages of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Levels of regulation of gene expression.
Molecular Biology Methodologies Part B:
Construction of Genomic and cDNA libraries. Northern Blot. qRT-PCR. RNAseq
Structure and properties of biological molecules
DNA
RNA
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Molecular Biology Methods Part A
Restriction enzymes.
Hybridization of Southerns.
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. Nucleosome remodeling and histone modifications.
Basic concepts of the cell cycle
DNA replication:
Origins of replication.
Proteins involved in replication
Regulation of replication
Gene Expression:
Mechanisms of transcription in prokaryotes: initiation, elongation, and termination.
Bacterial RNA polymerase. Promoters and their structure. Sigma factors. Regulation at the transcriptional level in prokaryotes (the Lac-Trp operon and phage lambda). Rho-dependent and independent transcriptional termination.
The mechanisms of transcription in eukaryotes: RNA polymerases 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. The eukaryotic transcriptional activators: modular structure and function. Techniques for studying transcriptional activators.
RNA maturation: processing of tRNAs and rRNAs, nucleotide modification of tRNAs and rRNAs, mRNA capping and polyadenylation, RNA splicing.
Protein synthesis:
characteristics of ribosomes. Characteristics of tRNAs: secondary and tertiary structure of tRNAs. Activation of amino acids. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. The phenomenon of vacillation.
Mode of initiation of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Stages of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Levels of regulation of gene expression.
Molecular Biology Methodologies Part B:
Construction of Genomic and cDNA libraries. Northern Blot. qRT-PCR. RNAseq
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.
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) with multiple choice.
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Lazzaro Federico, Zambelli Federico
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday 15.00-16.00 by appointment
Beacon Lab, 2nd floor, B Tower, Dept. of Biosciences / MS Teams