Plant Molecular Biology
A.Y. 2023/2024
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
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 work in small teams 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. Guidelines for proposal writing will be provided in advance, along with a roadmap including two revision sessions that will be organized to provide feedback and guide each team in improving their proposal. At the end of the course a joint session will be organized where each team will give a 30 minutes presentation of their project and answer questions discuss it critically with the from teachers and other students. During this oral discussion students are expected to make connections with topics covered during the course. The final grade will be the average of single assessments assigned to research project writing, project presentation, capability to discuss the project issues and to link them to the knowledge acquired during the course. The exam will be in English. Students with SDL certifications are kindly requested to check information at the following webpage https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
AGR/07 - AGRICULTURAL GENETICS - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Consonni Gabriella, Rossini Laura
Educational website(s)
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.