67004 - Molecular Biology

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student has adequate knowledge of the fundamental principles and basic mechanisms of molecular biology. In particular, the student is able to understand and discuss issues of gene expression, DNA replication and repair, the structure of the genome, nucleosome, and the regulatory RNA at the molecular level. The student has also knowledge of basic molecular biology technologies.

Course contents

• The genes code for proteins and may be interrupted
• The messenger RNA, protein synthesis and the use of the genetic code
• Transcription, the operon (lac), RNA regulator, phage strategies (lambda)
• The DNA replication
• The homologous recombination and the site specific recombination
• The repair systems correct DNA damage
• Eukaryotic promoters and enhancers, the regulation of transcription in eukaryotes
• Splicing and RNA maturation

Readings/Bibliography

The didactic material presented in class is not a substitute for the reference texts but supplementary and explanatory of these and constitutes a guide for the selection and understanding of the topics to be treated.

·         Il gene, seconda edizione compatta; Capitoli: 1-3, 7-9, 11-15, 18-20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

·         DNA ricombinante, Geni e Genomi. J.D. Watson, edizioni Zanichelli. Capitolo 4

Teaching methods

Lectures 

The course is divided into two teaching modules: the first module (6 ECTS) is carried out by Prof. Vincenzo Scarlato and consists of lectures to provide the student with the fundamental principles and basic mechanisms of cell functioning. The second module (4 ECTS) is carried out by Prof. Davide Ambrosetti and consists of lectures (3 ECTS) to provide the student with the mechanisms and the control of gene expression by eukaryotic cells and classroom exercises (1 ECTS) designed for the comprehension of the main techniques in Molecular Biology. 

Assessment methods

The exam takes place only through the final exam, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge and expected skills by conducting a written test for 1.5 hours without the aid of notes or books.

The written test consists of 30 multiple choice questions and 2 open-ended questions. Each multiple-choice question allows you to get 0.5 points, while each open answer question allows you to get a maximum of 8 points. The final grade is calculated as the sum of the points obtained.

Teaching tools

PC and video projector

Office hours

See the website of Vincenzo Scarlato

See the website of Davide Carlo Ambrosetti